answersLogoWhite

0

DNA is always present in every stage of the cell cycle...reproducing it is the whole purpose of the cell cycle!

In interphase, there are three phases: the cell grows (G1), duplicates each strand of DNA (S), and gets ready for mitosis (M).

During the first part of interphase the chromosomes are long and thin, and single-stranded, making them very hard to see without a very powerful microscope. During the last 2 stages of interphase, the DNA is duplicated but is still long and thin. It is only in the prophase stage of mitosis that they are condensed enough to often be seen with a "normal" microscope on high power (400x) . By the end of mitosis, the doubled-chromosomes have been pulled apart and into opposite ends of the parent cell. When the cell has finished dividing, each "daughter cell" has the original number of single-stranded chromosomes. The chromosomes "uncoil", and the cell matures during G1 phase of interphase.

Many people believe that DNA and/or Chromosomes (Chromosomes are made of DNA, remember.) are only present during mitosis. They just get fatter during mitosis by coiling tighter. Thus they are more easily seen. BUT.. just because you don't see them in interphase doesn't mean they aren't there!

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?