The non-dividing cells are most likely in which stage of the cell cycle?
The non-dividing cells are most likely in the G₀ phase of the cell cycle.
The G₀ phase (Gap zero phase) is a resting or quiescent stage where the cell exits the active cell cycle. In this phase, the cell does not prepare for division and stops progressing through the cycle. It is a reversible or permanent resting stage, depending on the cell type.
Cells enter G₀ from the G₁ phase when conditions are not favorable for division or when the cell has reached full maturity. Some cells can re-enter the cell cycle from G₀ when needed, while others remain permanently in G₀ and never divide again. For example, nerve cells and cardiac muscle cells stay permanently in G₀ and do not divide after maturation. On the other hand, liver cells can re-enter the cell cycle from G₀ when there is damage or a need for regeneration.
This phase is very important for controlling unnecessary cell division, especially in multicellular organisms where not all cells need to divide continuously. G₀ helps maintain tissue stability and prevent diseases like cancer that are caused by uncontrolled cell division.
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