NEETBotanyCell Cycle and Cell Division
Some cells in adult animals, such as heart cells, do not exhibit division and enter an inactive stage called the quiescent stage ( G ₀ ). Which of the following correctly describes the phase they exit to enter G ₀ and their metabolic status during this stage?
Options
- AThey exit the G ₁ phase and remain metabolically active.
- BThey exit the G ₁ phase and become metabolically inactive.
- CThey exit the G ₂ phase and remain metabolically active.
- DThey exit the S phase and become metabolically inactive.
Correct answer
A. They exit the G ₁ phase and remain metabolically active.
Step-by-step solution
According to NCERT, cells that do not divide further (such as heart cells) exit the G ₁ phase to enter an inactive stage called the quiescent stage ( G ₀ ) of the cell cycle. Although it is termed an inactive stage regarding cell proliferation, the cells in this stage remain metabolically active. They simply no longer proliferate unless called on to do so depending on the requirement of the organism. Therefore, they exit G ₁ and remain metabolically active. Answer: They exit the G ₁ phase and remain metabolically a