Final answer:
The phase with 3 stages is interphase, consisting of the G1, S, and G2 stages, where a cell grows, replicates DNA, and prepares for mitosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phase that has 3 stages mentioned in the options is interphase. Interphase is comprised of three stages which are G1 (First Gap), S (Synthesis), and G2 (Second Gap). During the G1 phase, the cell is active biochemically, accumulating the building blocks of chromosomal DNA, proteins, and energy reserves. The S phase is when DNA replication occurs. Lastly, in the G2 phase, the cell continues to grow and prepare for mitosis.
In contrast, mitosis is divided into four distinct phases, which are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Each of these stages corresponds to specific changes and processes concerning the chromosomes and the mitotic spindle. Following telophase, the process of cytokinesis occurs, where the cell actually divides into two daughter cells.