what happens in g1 phase

The G1 phase, also known as the first gap phase, is the first phase of the cell cycle that takes place in eukaryotic cell division. During this phase, the cell grows in size and synthesizes mRNA and protein that are required for DNA synthesis. The cell also copies organelles and makes the molecular building blocks it will need in later steps. The duration of the G1 phase is variable and depends on the nutrients that are available to a cell. The G1 phase is particularly important in the cell cycle because it determines whether a cell commits to division or to leaving the cell cycle. If a cell is signaled to remain undivided, instead of moving onto the S phase, it will leave the G1 phase and move into a state of dormancy called the G0 phase.