Optometry Admission Test (OAT) Practice

What is the main event of the G2 phase in the cell cycle?

1. Cell divides into two

2. Cytokinesis occurs

3. Cell doubles its organelles and cytoplasm

4. DNA synthesis completes

The correct answer is: Cell doubles its organelles and cytoplasm

The main event of the G2 phase in the cell cycle is that the cell doubles its organelles and cytoplasm. During this phase, which follows DNA synthesis in the S phase, the cell prepares for mitosis by ensuring that it has sufficient resources and components to divide effectively. This includes synthesizing proteins, increasing the number of organelles, and accumulating the necessary cytoplasmic materials that will be allocated during cell division. In contrast, cell division occurs after the G2 phase, making the option related to the actual division of the cell incorrect. Cytokinesis, which is the division of the cytoplasm following mitosis, also happens later in the cell cycle, further supporting that the G2 phase is primarily for preparation rather than division. Lastly, DNA synthesis is completed in the S phase, prior to entering G2, so it is not the main function of G2. Thus, the correct understanding of the G2 phase revolves around the activities focused on preparing the cell for successful division, particularly the doubling of organelles and cytoplasmic material.