What phase of the cell cycle is DNA made?

DNA synthesis occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, which stands for "synthesis phase." During this phase, the cell replicates its DNA in preparation for cell division, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. This is a crucial step in the cell cycle, as accurate DNA replication is essential for maintaining genetic stability.

In contrast, the G1 phase is primarily focused on cell growth and the accumulation of the resources needed for DNA synthesis, rather than the synthesis itself. Telophase is the stage of mitosis where chromosomes decondense and are enclosed into separate nuclei, and no new DNA is synthesized at this stage. Cytokinesis then follows, which is the process of cytoplasmic division that occurs after mitosis, also involving no DNA synthesis. Each of these other phases contributes to the overall cell cycle, but only the S phase is directly responsible for the actual creation and duplication of DNA.