Final answer:
If the progression of phases did not depend on cytoplasmic molecules, the timing and coordination of the cell cycle would be disrupted, potentially resulting in abnormal cell division and impacting cell function and replication.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the progression of phases did not depend on cytoplasmic molecules and each phase began when the previous one was complete, the results would differ in terms of timing and coordination of the cell cycle. In a normal cell cycle, the progression through different phases is regulated by the presence or absence of specific cytoplasmic molecules, known as cell cycle checkpoints. These molecules ensure that each phase is completed before the next one begins. Without the dependence on cytoplasmic molecules, the timing and coordination of the cell cycle would be disrupted, and the cell might not complete each phase before moving to the next. This could result in abnormal cell division and potentially impact cell function and replication.