Final answer:
The statement regarding the S, G2, and M phases of the cell cycle is false; the duration of these phases can vary among different cell types and conditions, and cells can enter a resting G0 phase where they stop dividing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is false. Although the S (Synthesis), G2 (Second Gap), and M (Mitotic) phases of the cell cycle generally occur in an orderly sequence, the actual duration of these phases can vary among different cell types and under different conditions. For example, the S phase typically lasts between 8-10 hours and the G2 phase approximately 5 hours, while the M phase is much shorter, usually lasting about 0.5 hours in rapidly dividing human cells with a 24-hour cell cycle. However, the duration of phases can be influenced by factors such as cell type, organism, and whether the cells are in culture or part of a living organism. Therefore, the time spent in each phase is not always stereotyped and can exhibit variation.
Certain cells can also enter a resting state called the G0 phase, where they temporarily or permanently cease dividing. This phase represents a condition where the cells are not actively progressing through the typical cell cycle, further supporting the notion that the cell cycle phases can have variable lengths.