Final answer:
The cell cycle includes four main phases . The correct answer is option A.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to match the phase of the cell cycle with the correct description, it's important to understand what occurs during each phase:
- A) G1 phase: This is the first growth or gap phase where the cell grows and carries out normal metabolic functions. The cell accumulates the building blocks of chromosomal DNA and the associated proteins during this phase, preparing for DNA replication.
- B) S phase: Known as the synthesis phase, this is where the cell replicates its DNA, ensuring that each new cell will have a complete set of genetic information.
- C) G2 phase: This is the second growth phase where the cell continues to grow and prepares for division. It is the final phase before mitosis begins.
- D) M phase: This phase includes both mitosis, the division of the cell's nucleus, and cytokinesis, the division of the cell's cytoplasm, culminating in the formation of two daughter cells.
These phases are crucial for the proper division and function of cells, each serving a specific role in the cell cycle process.