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G2 Phase (Gap 2): Protein Synthesis Before Mitosis

Biology · Cell Cycle and Cell Division · NEET

G2 (Gap 2) is the last part of interphase, coming after S phase and just before M phase. In G2 the cell makes proteins (needed for mitosis) and keeps growing, but it does NOT copy its DNA again. Memory hook: G-two means "Get ready" — build the tools (proteins), no new DNA.
Interphase: G1 → S → G2, then M phaseG1Growth, 2CSDNA copied 2C→4CG2 (Gap 2)Proteins made, 4CMDivisionIn G2: protein synthesis + growthNO DNA replication (already 4C)G2/M checkpoint sitsat end of G2 → M
G2 (Gap 2) is the last part of interphase after S phase: the cell synthesises proteins and grows (DNA stays at 4C, no replication), then passes the G2/M checkpoint into the M phase.

Your doubts, answered

Does DNA replicate (copy) in the G2 phase?

No. DNA is copied only in the S phase. By the time the cell reaches G2, the DNA is already doubled (4C). In G2 the cell only checks and synthesises proteins for mitosis — no new DNA is made. NEET often traps students here.

What is actually made in G2 phase?

Proteins. NCERT says in G2 'proteins are synthesised in preparation for mitosis while cell growth continues.' These proteins (like spindle proteins) are needed for the coming division. So G2 = protein synthesis + growth, no DNA synthesis.

What is the difference between G1 and G2 phase?

G1 comes before S (before DNA copying); the cell grows and is metabolically active but does not replicate DNA — it is the gap between mitosis and the start of DNA replication. G2 comes after S (after DNA is copied); the cell synthesises proteins and grows to prepare for mitosis. Both are 'gap' phases with growth, but they sit on opposite sides of the S phase.

Is the DNA content 2C or 4C in G2 phase?

4C. DNA was doubled in S phase (2C to 4C), so a cell in G2 carries 4C DNA. But the chromosome number stays the same (2n) because sister chromatids are still joined at one centromere and counted as one chromosome.

Why is G2 phase important before mitosis?

The cell uses G2 to build the proteins and structures it will need to divide correctly (for example, spindle proteins). The G2/M checkpoint also checks that DNA copying finished properly and has no major damage before allowing the cell to enter mitosis.

⚠️ The NEET trap
✗ Choosing that DNA is synthesised or replicated during G2 phase.
✓ In G2 only proteins are synthesised and the cell grows; DNA replication happens only in S phase. G2 DNA content is already 4C.
🧠 S = DNA Synthesis, G2 = protein Synthesis. Same word 'synthesis', two different products — read what is being made.

Real NEET questions

NEET 2021

Match List-I with List-II: (a) S phase (b) G2 phase (c) Quiescent stage (d) G1 phase | (i) Proteins are synthesized (ii) Inactive phase (iii) Interval between mitosis and initiation of DNA replication (iv) DNA replication. Choose the correct answer:

A · (a)-(iv), (b)-(i), (c)-(ii), (d)-(iii) ✓
B · (a)-(ii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(iii), (d)-(i)
C · (a)-(iii), (b)-(ii), (c)-(i), (d)-(iv)
D · (a)-(iv), (b)-(ii), (c)-(iii), (d)-(i)
Solution: S phase = DNA replication (iv); G2 phase = proteins are synthesised in preparation for mitosis (i); Quiescent stage (G0) = inactive phase (ii); G1 phase = interval between mitosis and start of DNA replication (iii).
NEET 2023

Match List I with List II: A. M Phase B. G2 Phase C. G1 Phase D. G1 Phase | I. Proteins are synthesized II. Inactive phase III. Interval between mitosis and initiation of DNA replication IV. Equational division. Choose the correct answer:

A · A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I
B · A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
C · A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III ✓
D · A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
Solution: M phase = equational division (IV); G2 phase = proteins are synthesised (I); the quiescent/G0 stage is the inactive phase (II); G1 phase = interval between mitosis and start of DNA replication (III).
NEET 2026

Match List I (Phase) with List II (Activity): A. G1 phase B. S phase C. G2 Phase D. M phase | I. Actual cell division occurs II. Cell is metabolically active and grows but does not replicate its DNA III. Synthesis of DNA occurs and DNA per cell doubles IV. Proteins are synthesized while cell growth continues. Choose the correct answer:

A · A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
B · A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
C · A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
D · A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I ✓
Solution: G1 = grows but no DNA replication (II); S = DNA synthesised, DNA doubles (III); G2 = proteins synthesised while growth continues (IV); M = actual cell division (I).

Solved Cell Cycle and Cell Division NEET PYQs

Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.

See all 46 Cell Cycle and Cell Division NEET PYQs ›
Next concept: G0 (Quiescent) Phase →Keep learning — 2 minFeeling ready? Solve the Cell Cycle and Cell Division NEET PYQs ›Or practice on your phone — get the free MedicNEET app ›

Frequently asked

Is G2 phase part of interphase?

Yes. Interphase has three parts in order: G1, S and G2. G2 is the last part of interphase, right before the M phase (mitosis).

What comes after G2 phase?

The M phase (mitosis) comes after G2. So the full sequence is G1 to S to G2 to M.

Does the cell grow in G2 phase?

Yes. NCERT states cell growth continues in G2 along with protein synthesis. Both G1 and G2 are gap phases where the cell grows.

What is the G2/M checkpoint?

It is a control point at the end of G2 that checks whether DNA copying finished correctly and DNA is undamaged before letting the cell enter mitosis. This keeps division accurate.

How is G2 phase different from S phase for NEET?

S phase copies DNA (2C to 4C); G2 phase makes proteins and grows but does NOT copy DNA. Both use the word 'synthesis', so read carefully what is being synthesised.

Related concepts:
Phases of Cell Cycle: Correct Sequence G1 → S → G2 → MG1 Phase (Gap 1): Cell Growth Without DNA ReplicationS Phase (Synthesis): When DNA Replication HappensG0 (Quiescent) Phase: Cells That Stop DividingCell Cycle Checkpoints and Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC)
Practise Biology for NEET:
Biology MCQs (free, chapter-wise)Cell Cycle and Cell Division PYQs