Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where a cell prepares for division. It consists of three stages: G1 phase, where the cell grows and synthesizes proteins; S phase, where DNA is replicated; and G2 phase, where the cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis. During interphase, the cell is metabolically active and carries out its normal functions. This phase is crucial because it ensures that the cell has all the necessary components and genetic material before it divides. Interphase can last for varying lengths of time, depending on the type of cell and its environment, but it typically takes up the majority of the cell cycle.