During which phase of the cell cycle does the cell grow and prepare for mitosis?

The correct answer, which indicates the phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and prepares for mitosis, is the G1 Phase. During this phase, which occurs right after a cell divides, a significant amount of growth takes place and the cell synthesizes various proteins and organelles that are essential for the later stages of the cell cycle and for cell function.

In the G1 Phase, the cell increases in size and carries out its normal metabolic activities, which are crucial for preparing it to replicate its DNA in the subsequent S Phase. This preparation includes the accumulation of necessary energy and materials that will be required for DNA synthesis.

It's also important to note that while Interphase refers to the entire cell cycle between divisions (including G1, S, and G2), the G1 Phase specifically highlights the initial growth and preparatory processes that set the stage for the upcoming DNA replication and cell division. The S Phase focuses more on the actual synthesis of DNA, while the G2 Phase is primarily about continuing to prepare for mitosis after DNA has been replicated.