Interphase

The cell may spend as much as 90 percent of the cell cycle in interphase

Cell carries out its metabolic processes and performs its functions 

For example, a cell in your stomach lining might be making and releasing enzyme molecules that help digest your food

During interphase, a cell increases its supply of proteins, increases the number of many of its organelles (such as mitochondria and ribosomes), and grows in size

Interphase also includes cellular functions leading up to cell division (reproduction)

Three sub-phases:

• G₁ (G stands for gap)

  • Cell grows

• S (S stands for DNA synthesis)

  • Key event: duplication of the DNA in the cell's chromosomes

• G₂ 

  • Cell prepares to divide (reproduce)