Final answer:
The correct answer is b. prophase, which is a phase of mitosis, not interphase. During interphase, the cell grows and prepares for division, including DNA replication and protein synthesis, but never undergoes prophase.
Step-by-step explanation:
During interphase, a cell is involved in normal growth and preparation for division, which includes several processes that are critical to cell division. Interphase consists of three main stages: G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase. In the G1 phase, cells grow and synthesize proteins. The S phase is marked by DNA replication. Lastly, the G2 phase involves further growth and preparation for mitosis.
The process that NEVER occurs during interphase is prophase, which is an actual stage of mitosis where the nuclear membrane dissolves and chromosomes begin to condense. DNA duplication, on the other hand, does occur during the S phase of interphase, and the cell size does increase throughout various stages of interphase. Therefore, the correct answer to the question would be b. prophase, which is a phase that belongs strictly to the mitotic phase, not interphase.