Final answer:
Cells typically spend most of their life in the Interphase, especially during the Growth Phase 1 (G1), engaging in growth and performing their designated functions prior to cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cells spend most of their life in the Interphase of the cell cycle, particularly in the Growth Phase 1 (G1) stage.
The life of a eukaryotic cell is typically divided into various stages known as the cell cycle. After its birth, a cell enters Interphase, a phase that prepares it for replication and consists of three stages: G1, S (Synthesis), and G2 (Growth Phase 2). The G1 phase is where the cell spends most of its life, engaging in growth and regular cellular functions. Cells perform specialized tasks depending on their type - heart cells perform differently from liver cells, for example. The S phase is devoted to DNA replication, ensuring that daughter cells will have identical genetic information. The G2 phase prepares the cell for division by producing organelles and components necessary for mitosis. Cells that do not prepare to divide enter a resting stage known as the Go phase, where they may remain inactive indefinitely. This intricate process is regulated by chemical messengers which provide crucial 'stop' and 'go' signals. A failure in these signals can lead to uncontrolled cell division and potentially result in cancer.