Question

S phase (of the cell cycle)

a) Is the phase where cells divide
b) Involves preparation for mitosis
c) Is the resting phase of the cell cycle
d) Is the phase where DNA is synthesized
e) Occurs after mitosis

Answer 1

The S phase is the phase of the cell cycle where DNA is synthesized, hence the name synthesis phase, and it prepares the cell for mitosis by ensuring each new cell has a complete set of DNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves understanding the S phase of the cell cycle. The S phase, or synthesis phase, is where DNA replication occurs within a cell's life cycle. During this phase, every chromosome is duplicated to ensure each new cell will have an identical set of DNA. This process is critical as it prepares the cell for division and ensures the proper genetic material is passed on to each daughter cell post mitosis. The S phase is a part of interphase, which also includes the G1 and G2 phases where the cell grows and prepares for division, but does not actually divide. Thus, this phase is integral to a cell's preparation for mitosis but is not a resting phase nor does it occur after mitosis.