NEETBotanyCell Cycle and Cell Division
Which of the following statements correctly describes the physiological state of a cell in the G ₀ (quiescent) phase of the cell cycle?
Options
- AIt is metabolically inactive and does not proliferate.
- BIt is metabolically active but no longer proliferates unless called on to do so.
- CIt is metabolically active and proliferates continuously.
- DIt is metabolically inactive but continues to proliferate.
Correct answer
B. It is metabolically active but no longer proliferates unless called on to do so.
Step-by-step solution
According to NCERT, cells that do not divide further exit the G ₁ phase to enter an inactive stage called the quiescent stage ( G ₀ ). Cells in this stage remain metabolically active but no longer proliferate unless called on to do so depending on the requirement of the organism. Therefore, they are not metabolically inactive, nor do they proliferate continuously. Answer: It is metabolically active but no longer proliferates unless called on to do so.