Questions: Replication of DNA in a eukaryote occurs during which phase of the cell cycle?
M phase
S phase
G1 phase
G2 phase
Transcript text: Replication of DNA in a eukaryote occurs during which phase of the cell cycle?
$M$ phase
$S$ phase
G1 phase
G2 phase
Solution
The answer is the second one (S phase): Replication of DNA in a eukaryote occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle.
Explanation for each option:
M phase: This is the mitotic phase, where the cell undergoes mitosis and cytokinesis, leading to cell division. DNA replication does not occur during this phase; instead, the cell divides its already replicated DNA into two daughter cells.
S phase: This is the synthesis phase of the cell cycle, where DNA replication occurs. During this phase, the entire genome of the cell is duplicated to ensure that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the DNA.
G1 phase: This is the first gap phase, where the cell grows and carries out normal functions. It prepares for DNA replication but does not actually replicate DNA during this phase.
G2 phase: This is the second gap phase, where the cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis. DNA replication has already been completed by this phase.
In summary, DNA replication in eukaryotic cells occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle.