Which statement about Interphase is NOT true?

Which statement about Interphase is NOT true?

• A. The cell spends most of its time in G1, S, and G2.
• B. DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis takes place.
• C. The cell doubles in size.
• D. Chromosomes condense and become visible.

Answer: (D)

Interphase is the stage of the cell cycle when the cell is preparing to divide. It includes G1 (growth), S (DNA replication), and G2 (preparation for mitosis). During this time the cell makes RNA and proteins and doubles in size as it copies its DNA and builds cellular components. A defining feature is that chromosomes are not condensed during interphase; they exist as decondensed chromatin and are not visible as distinct structures under light microscopy. Condensation into visible chromosomes happens during mitosis, starting with prophase. So the statement about chromosomes condensing and becoming visible describes mitosis, not interphase. The other statements accurately describe interphase: the cell spends most of its time in G1, S, and G2; DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis occurs; and the cell enlarges in preparation for division.

Interphase is the stage of the cell cycle when the cell is preparing to divide. It includes G1 (growth), S (DNA replication), and G2 (preparation for mitosis). During this time the cell makes RNA and proteins and doubles in size as it copies its DNA and builds cellular components. A defining feature is that chromosomes are not condensed during interphase; they exist as decondensed chromatin and are not visible as distinct structures under light microscopy. Condensation into visible chromosomes happens during mitosis, starting with prophase. So the statement about chromosomes condensing and becoming visible describes mitosis, not interphase. The other statements accurately describe interphase: the cell spends most of its time in G1, S, and G2; DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis occurs; and the cell enlarges in preparation for division.