The phases of the cellular life cycle, in order, are:

The phases of the cellular life cycle, in order, are:

• A. Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
• B. Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
• C. G1, S, G2, Telophase
• D. Interphase (G1, S, G2), Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase

Answer: (D)

Think of the cell cycle as a long preparation phase followed by division. During Interphase, the cell grows and duplicates its DNA in the subphases G1, S, and G2. Once preparation is finished, the cell progresses through the mitotic stages in order: Prophase, where chromosomes condense; Metaphase, where they line up in the center; Anaphase, where sister chromatids separate to opposite sides; and Telophase, where new nuclei form around the separated chromosomes. Cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm, typically follows to produce two separate daughter cells. The option that lists Interphase with G1, S, and G2 first, then Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, matches this sequence exactly. Other options either skip Interphase or misorder the stages, so they don’t reflect the true progression of events.

Think of the cell cycle as a long preparation phase followed by division. During Interphase, the cell grows and duplicates its DNA in the subphases G1, S, and G2. Once preparation is finished, the cell progresses through the mitotic stages in order: Prophase, where chromosomes condense; Metaphase, where they line up in the center; Anaphase, where sister chromatids separate to opposite sides; and Telophase, where new nuclei form around the separated chromosomes. Cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm, typically follows to produce two separate daughter cells. The option that lists Interphase with G1, S, and G2 first, then Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, matches this sequence exactly. Other options either skip Interphase or misorder the stages, so they don’t reflect the true progression of events.