Question

multiple choice question
interphase is

○ a term to describe cells that can no longer divide.
○ the portion of the cell cycle when the cell is actively dividing.
○ the portion of the cell cycle when the cell is getting ready to divide.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: Cells that can no longer divide are not described by interphase. Interphase is part of the cell cycle related to division preparation, not non - dividing cells.
2. Analyze the second option: The portion of the cell cycle when the cell is actively dividing is mitosis (or meiosis), not interphase.
3. Analyze the third option: Interphase is the stage of the cell cycle where the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for cell division. So this option correctly describes interphase.

Answer:

C. the portion of the cell cycle when the cell is getting ready to divide. (Here we assume the options are labeled A, B, C in order. If the original labeling is different, adjust accordingly. The first option is incorrect as interphase is not for non - dividing cells. The second option is incorrect as active division is mitosis/meiosis. The third option correctly defines interphase as the preparatory stage for cell division.)