Describe the events taking place during interphase.

Solution:

Interphase involves a series of changes that prepare a cell for division. It is the period during which the cell experiences growth and DNA replication in an orderly manner. Interphase is divided into three phases.

(i) $G_{1}$ phase

(ii) $S$ phase

(iii) $\mathrm{G}_{2}$ phase

$\mathrm{G}_{1}$ phase $-$ It is the stage during which the cell grows and prepares its DNA for replication. In this phase, the cell is metabolically active.

S phase - It is the stage during which DNA synthesis occurs. In this phase, the amount of DNA (per cell) doubles, but the chromosome number remains the same.

$\mathrm{G}_{2}$ phase $-$ In this phase, the cell continues to grow and prepares itself for division. The proteins and RNA required for mitosis are synthesised during this stage.