NEETBotanyCell Cycle and Cell Division
In adult animals, some cells like heart cells do not appear to exhibit division. Which specific cell cycle transition do these cells undergo to reach this non-dividing state?
Options
- AThey exit G ₁ phase to enter an inactive stage called G ₀ .
- BThey exit M phase and directly enter G ₀ phase.
- CThey arrest their cell cycle permanently in the G ₂ phase.
- DThey exit S phase and enter a quiescent stage.
Correct answer
A. They exit G ₁ phase to enter an inactive stage called G ₀ .
Step-by-step solution
According to NCERT, some cells in adult animals do not appear to exhibit division (e.g., heart cells) and many other cells divide only occasionally. These cells that do not divide further exit the G ₁ phase to enter an inactive stage called the quiescent stage ( G ₀ ) of the cell cycle. A common misconception is that cells exit the M phase directly to enter G ₀ , but the transition specifically occurs by exiting the G ₁ phase. Answer: They exit G ₁ phase to enter an inactive stage called G ₀ .