What are the two main phases that comprise the cell cycle in plants?

The correct answer identifies the two main phases of the cell cycle as interphase and mitosis. This classification is fundamental to understanding how cells grow and divide.

Interphase is the phase in which a cell prepares for division. It is further subdivided into three stages: G1 (growth), S (synthesis, during which DNA is replicated), and G2 (second growth phase). During interphase, the cell undergoes significant growth and duplication of its genetic material, laying the groundwork for successful mitosis.

Mitosis is the process where the cell divides its replicated DNA and cytoplasm to produce two daughter cells. It involves several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, each crucial for accurate distribution of genetic material to the daughter cells.

Together, interphase and mitosis encompass the entirety of the cell cycle necessary for growth and reproduction in plants, making this understanding essential for any studies related to plant biology and development. The other options do not accurately represent the complete framework of the plant cell cycle, as they either omit interphase or do not include both components needed for cell division.