erminally differentiated cells are most often found in which phase of the cell cycle?A. G0B. G1C. G2D. ME. S

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the characteristics of terminally differentiated cells.
2. Analyze phase options given in the cell cycle.

Relevant Concepts

• Cell Cycle Phases:
  • G1 (Gap 1): Cell growth and development.
  • S (Synthesis): DNA replication.
  • G2 (Gap 2): Final preparations for mitosis.
  • M (Mitosis): Cell division.
  • G0 (Resting phase): Cells exit the cycle and cease to divide, often characterized by terminal differentiation in some cases.

Analysis and Detail

1. Terminally differentiated cells are specialized cells that have lost the ability to divide. They often enter the G0 phase, a quiescent state where they perform their specific functions without undergoing further division.
2. The other phases (G1, S, G2, M) involve active cell division or preparation for division, which does not align with the definition of terminal differentiation.

Verify and Summarize

Based on the characteristics analyzed, terminally differentiated cells are predominantly found in the G0 phase of the cell cycle.

Final Answer

The correct answer is A. G0.