Which of the following is NOT a step of interphase?

Interphase is a crucial part of the cell cycle, distinguished from the mitotic phase. It consists of three main stages: the first growth phase (G1), the synthesis phase (S), and the second growth phase (G2). Each of these stages prepares the cell for division by contributing to its growth and the replication of its DNA.

The mitotic phase, in contrast, is where actual cell division occurs, involving processes such as mitosis and cytokinesis. This phase is separate from interphase and is responsible for distributing the duplicated chromosomes into two daughter cells.

Therefore, identifying the mitotic phase as not a part of interphase is correct. By understanding the functions of interphase and distinguishing it from the mitotic phase, one can appreciate the complete cell cycle and the role of each phase in cell replication and growth.