Humber Admissions Practice Test

What characterizes Gap 1 of interphase?

1. The final stage of cell division

2. The synthesis of DNA

3. The initial growth and functioning of the cell

4. The reduction of cell size before division

The correct answer is: The initial growth and functioning of the cell

Gap 1, also known as G1 phase, is characterized by the initial growth and functioning of the cell. During this phase, the cell grows in size, synthesizes various proteins, and performs its normal metabolic functions. It is a critical period where the cell prepares for DNA replication, ensuring that it has the necessary resources and energy to progress into the next phase of the cell cycle. The G1 phase serves as a checkpoint where the cell assesses internal and external conditions to determine if it should proceed to the next stage, the S phase, which is where DNA synthesis occurs. Thus, the descriptions of the final stage of cell division, synthesis of DNA, or reduction of cell size do not accurately describe this particular phase, as they pertain to other stages in the cell cycle.