Question

In the 24-hour average duration of the cell cycle of a human cell, cell division properly lasts for about.
A) 24 hours
B) An Hour
C) Half an hour
D) 90 minutes

Answer 1

Hint: The cell cycle takes place in four phases- Cell size increases, replication of DNA, preparation of cell for division and division phase. Several proteins and growth factors are needed for the division. 90% of the time is spent by the cell in the preparation and only 10% time is taken for division.

Complete answer:
We are already aware of the fact that the cell cycle is very important as the cell cycle helps in reproduction, repair of worn-out cells and also for growth and development of the organism.

The cell basically has two stages-
Interphase- It is the preparatory phase which consists of the G1 stage where the cell grows in size, s phase where DNA replication takes place and the G1 stage in which the cell prepares for division. The cell spends about 95% of its time in this phase. If the cell cycle is of 24 hours, 23 hours are spent in this phase.
Division phase- In this phase, the division of the nucleus takes place. It occurs in four phages-prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Cell hardly spends 1 hour in this phase. From the above discussion, it is clear enough that the cell spends a maximum of the time in the interphase.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note: The Cell undergoes G0 stage prior to entering the dividing phase. This phase is a checkpoint in which the cell cannot enter the dividing phase unless it is ensured that the proper replication of DNA and other proteins are done properly or not. If it is not found properly, the cell undergoes apoptosis.