Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Practice Test

The correct answer is Interphase. During Interphase, which is the longest phase of the cell cycle, cells engage in growth and normal metabolic functions. This includes the replication of DNA and the doubling of organelles, such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, to prepare for cell division. Interphase is essential for ensuring that each daughter cell has the necessary components and genetic material to function correctly after cell division. In contrast, the other stages such as Anaphase, Cytokinesis, and Metaphase pertain to the actual process of cell division. Anaphase is focused on the separation of sister chromatids, Metaphase involves the alignment of chromosomes in the middle of the cell, and Cytokinesis is the final step where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate cells. None of these stages are dedicated to the normal functions and preparations that occur during Interphase.