Describe the events taking place during interphase.

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) G₁ phase

(ii) S phase

(iii) G₂ phase

G₁ 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.

G₂ 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.