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AAT Bioquest

Do all cells enter the G0 phase?

Posted June 9, 2023


Answer

No, all cells do not enter the G0 phase, for several reasons. Cells enter the G0 phase when they no longer need to divide. This may be part of their differentiation process. For example, nerve and cardiac cells remain in the G0 phase forever because once they reach maturity, they never divide again. Other cells enter the G0 phase because they lack the necessary nutrients and energy to divide. These cells may only temporarily stay in the G0 phase and re-enter the cell cycle (G1 phase) in response to stimulation by mitogens, induced by normal cell turnover or injury. 

Additional resources

Contrasting Quiescent G0 Phase with Mitotic Cell Cycling in the Mouse Immune System

Cell Cycle Assays

Cell Meter™ Fluorimetric Live Cell Cycle Assay Kit *Optimized for 405 nm Violet Laser Excitation*