What is the Difference Between Interphase and Mitosis?

Interphase and mitosis are two major phases of the cell cycle, which is the series of events that cells go through as they divide and grow. The key differences between interphase and mitosis include:

• Function: During interphase, cells prepare for division by growing and replicating their DNA and synthesizing necessary proteins. In contrast, mitosis is the actual division process where the cell separates its DNA into two sets and divides its cytoplasm, forming two new cells.
• Duration: Interphase is the longest phase of the cell cycle, and cells spend most of their time in this phase. Mitosis, on the other hand, runs for a short period of time.
• Chromosome appearance: During interphase, chromosomes are not visible, and the chromatin appears diffuse and unorganized. In mitosis, chromosomes condense and become visible.
• Phases: Interphase has three phases: G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase. Mitosis, also known as the M phase, consists of six stages: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis.

In summary, interphase is the preparatory phase where cells grow and make copies of their genetic information, while mitosis is the phase where cells actively divide their nucleus and cytoplasm into two new cells.

Comparative Table: Interphase vs Mitosis

Here is a table comparing the differences between interphase and mitosis:

Interphase is the longest phase of the cell cycle, where the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and synthesizes necessary proteins. It has three stages: G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase. On the other hand, mitosis is a short phase of the cell cycle that follows interphase, during which actual cell division occurs. Mitosis consists of five stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. During mitosis, the chromosomes condense and become highly visible, eventually separating into two daughter cells.