Which term describes a cell that temporarily stops dividing but remains metabolically active?

Which term describes a cell that temporarily stops dividing but remains metabolically active?

• A. Interphase
• B. G0 phase
• C. S phase
• D. Mitosis

Answer: (B)

The situation describes a quiescent state in the cell cycle. When a cell temporarily stops dividing but stays metabolically active, it has entered the G0 phase. In this state, the cell has exited the active cycle after receiving signals to proliferate, so it does not proceed to G1, S, or beyond to mitosis. Yet it continues essential cellular functions—maintaining metabolism, protein synthesis, and responding to signals—so it remains ready to re-enter the cycle if conditions favor division. This is distinct from interphase, which encompasses G1, S, and G2 while the cell is preparing for division; the S phase specifically involves DNA replication, and mitosis is the actual division process.

The situation describes a quiescent state in the cell cycle. When a cell temporarily stops dividing but stays metabolically active, it has entered the G0 phase. In this state, the cell has exited the active cycle after receiving signals to proliferate, so it does not proceed to G1, S, or beyond to mitosis. Yet it continues essential cellular functions—maintaining metabolism, protein synthesis, and responding to signals—so it remains ready to re-enter the cycle if conditions favor division. This is distinct from interphase, which encompasses G1, S, and G2 while the cell is preparing for division; the S phase specifically involves DNA replication, and mitosis is the actual division process.