A typical process of cell division in a human cell approximately lasts for

Options

A. only about an hour
B. about 12 hours
C. only about 24 hours
D. about 6 hours

Answer

To determine the duration of a typical process of cell division in a human cell, we can break down the cell cycle into its components and analyze the time spent in each phase.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Cell Cycle**:
- The cell cycle consists of a series of events that a cell goes through to prepare for division and to actually divide. It is divided into two main phases: Interphase and M Phase (Mitotic Phase).

**Hint**: Remember that the cell cycle is crucial for understanding how cells prepare for division.

2. **Phases of the Cell Cycle**:
- **Interphase**: This phase is where the cell spends most of its time. It is further divided into three sub-phases:
- **G1 Phase (Gap 1)**: The cell grows and synthesizes proteins.
- **S Phase (Synthesis)**: The cell duplicates its DNA.
- **G2 Phase (Gap 2)**: The cell continues to grow and prepares for division.
- **M Phase (Mitosis)**: This is the phase where actual cell division occurs. It includes both mitosis and cytokinesis.

**Hint**: Focus on the distinction between interphase (preparation) and M phase (division).

3. **Duration of Each Phase**:
- Interphase typically lasts about **23 hours**.
- M Phase, where the actual division occurs, lasts about **1 hour**.

**Hint**: Note the significant difference in duration between interphase and M phase.

4. **Total Duration of the Cell Cycle**:
- The total duration of the cell cycle is approximately **24 hours** (23 hours of interphase + 1 hour of M phase).
- However, the question specifically asks about the duration of the cell division process itself, which is represented by the M phase.

**Hint**: Be clear about what the question is asking—it's specifically about the division process, not the entire cycle.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the typical process of cell division in a human cell approximately lasts for **only about 1 hour**.

### Final Answer:
The answer is **A. only about an hour**.