Upon examination, a cell is found to have twice as much DNA as the normal diploid state but is no longer in the process of replicating the DNA. All of the DNA is found within a single nucleus. Which phase of the cell cycle is this cell in? A) M B) S C) G₁ D) G₂ E) cytokinesis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This cell is in the G2 phase of the cell cycle, which occurs after DNA replication but before mitosis (M phase). The fact that the cell has twice as much DNA as normal diploid cells indicates that it has undergone DNA replication, which occurs during the S phase. Therefore, the cell must be in either the G2 phase or M phase. Since the question states that the cell is not in the process of replicating DNA, it cannot be in the S phase. Furthermore, cytokinesis is the stage that follows mitosis, so it cannot be the answer either. Therefore, the correct answer is D, which represents the G2 phase.

Upon Examination, a Cell Is Found to Have Twice as Much