Final answer:
Interphase is not a resting stage because cells undergo normal growth processes and prepare for division. The cell accumulates DNA, proteins, and energy reserves during interphase. It is an active and essential stage of the cell cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
While interphase is often described as a 'resting stage', this term is not an appropriate description for cells in interphase. During interphase, the cell undergoes normal growth processes and carries out various metabolic functions. The cell is actively accumulating building blocks of DNA, proteins, and energy reserves to prepare for cell division. For example, during the G1 phase of interphase, the cell is actively accumulating the necessary materials for DNA replication. In the S phase, the cell replicates its DNA. And in the G2 phase, the cell makes final preparations for division. Therefore, interphase is a highly active and essential stage of the cell cycle, not a resting stage.