Which phase of the cell cycle lasts the longest and allows the cell to prepare for division?

The phase of the cell cycle that lasts the longest and allows the cell to prepare for division is interphase. Interphase is comprised of three sub-phases: G1 (Gap 1), S (Synthesis), and G2 (Gap 2), where the majority of the cell's growth and preparation takes place. During interphase, the cell increases in size, synthesizes proteins, and replicates its DNA, ensuring that the resulting daughter cells will have the proper genetic material and sufficient resources to function effectively after division.

In contrast, the other phases mentioned—prophase, metaphase, and anaphase—are part of mitosis, which is a much shorter phase in the overall cell cycle. Prophase involves the condensation of chromosomes and the breakdown of the nuclear envelope, metaphase is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes in the center of the cell, and anaphase is when sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite sides of the cell. These mitotic phases occur rapidly compared to the extended interphase, highlighting its crucial role in preparing the cell for successful division.