Interphase is that part of the cell cycle which is between
cell divisions. Rather than being a resting stage, however, it's just the opposite: This is when most of a
cell's
metabolic activity occurs. During interphase, the
chromosomes inside the cell's
nucleus are diffuse, extended strands of
DNA, not visible under a
microscope. Before going into prophase of
mitosis or
meiosis, the soon-to-be dividing
cell is in interphase. After
cytokinesis of mitosis and of the second meiotic division, the daughter cells go into interphase. There can be a brief period of interphase between the first and second divisions of meiosis; this period is sometimes called "interkinesis".
Previous step: Cytokinesis
Next step: Prophase