Which phase do most cells that will no longer divide typically enter?

Which phase do most cells that will no longer divide typically enter?

• A. G1
• B. Go
• C. M phase
• D. S phase

Answer: (B)

Most cells that will no longer divide typically enter the Go phase, which is a state of permanent or temporary cell cycle exit. This phase is a distinct part of the cell cycle where cells remain metabolically active but do not proceed to divide. Cells in the Go phase can be thought of as being in a resting or quiescent state, effectively pausing their cycle until they receive specific signals to re-enter the cell cycle. This altered function enables cells to conserve resources and respond to the needs of the organism. For instance, many differentiated cells, such as neurons, may enter the Go phase and remain there for an extended period, sometimes even for the lifetime of the organism, reflecting their specialized roles where proliferation is not required. The other phases mentioned all involve active cell cycle processes: G1 is the phase where cells prepare for DNA synthesis, M phase is where mitosis occurs leading to cell division, and S phase is where DNA replication takes place. Therefore, these phases are not suited for cells that no longer divide, as they suggest a progression toward division rather than an exit from the cycle.

Most cells that will no longer divide typically enter the Go phase, which is a state of permanent or temporary cell cycle exit. This phase is a distinct part of the cell cycle where cells remain metabolically active but do not proceed to divide. Cells in the Go phase can be thought of as being in a resting or quiescent state, effectively pausing their cycle until they receive specific signals to re-enter the cell cycle.

This altered function enables cells to conserve resources and respond to the needs of the organism. For instance, many differentiated cells, such as neurons, may enter the Go phase and remain there for an extended period, sometimes even for the lifetime of the organism, reflecting their specialized roles where proliferation is not required.

The other phases mentioned all involve active cell cycle processes: G1 is the phase where cells prepare for DNA synthesis, M phase is where mitosis occurs leading to cell division, and S phase is where DNA replication takes place. Therefore, these phases are not suited for cells that no longer divide, as they suggest a progression toward division rather than an exit from the cycle.