Question

1. which phase of the cell cycle takes the longest? why?

Explanation:

The longest phase of the cell cycle is Interphase. This phase is split into G1, S, and G2 sub-phases, where the cell grows in size, replicates its DNA, and carries out all its normal metabolic functions to prepare for cell division. The majority of a cell's life is spent in this preparatory stage, as the complex processes of growth and DNA replication require significant time.

Answer:

The longest phase of the cell cycle is Interphase. It takes the longest because the cell undergoes growth, DNA replication, and prepares all necessary cellular components for the subsequent cell division, which involves multiple complex, time-consuming sub-processes (G1, S, and G2 phases).