G0 phase

The G₀ phase (called the G zero phase) or resting phase is a period in the cell cycle in which cells are inactive. Cells enter G₀ phase from G₁ and stop dividing. Some cells, such as neurons, remain in G₀ for indefinite period. Some cells enter G₀ phase semi-permanently, such as some cells of the liver and kidney. Many cells do not enter G₀ and continue to divide throughout an organism's life, e.g. epithelial cells.

G0 Phase Media

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  Mitosis in an animal cell (phases ordered counter-clockwise), with G0 labeled at left.

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  Many mammal cells, such as this 9x H neuron, remain permanently or semipermanently in G0.

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  Schematic karyogram of the human chromosomes, showing their usual state in the G0 and G1 phase of the cell cycle. At top center it also shows the chromosome 3 pair after having undergone DNA synthesis, occurring in the S phase (annotated as S) of the cell cycle. This interval includes the G2 phase and metaphase (annotated as "Meta.").

  Further information: Karyotype