interfase

Interfase is a term used in several languages that can refer to different concepts depending on context. In biology, interfase (often spelled interphase in English) denotes the period of the cell cycle between mitotic divisions. During interfase, the cell grows, carries out normal metabolic activities, and duplicates its DNA in preparation for mitosis. It is subdivided into the G1 phase (growth), the S phase (DNA synthesis), and the G2 phase (further growth and preparation for division). Chromosomes are not condensed during interfase, and the nuclear envelope remains intact. The duration of interfase varies by organism and cell type and is regulated by cyclin-dependent kinases and other factors.

In other languages, such as Spanish and Portuguese, the term interfase is used to refer to the same cell-cycle stage, though the English spelling interphase is common in international scientific usage. Beyond biology, interfase can also denote the concept of an interface—the boundary between two systems or phases. In materials science and physics, the interface (interfase) between substances governs phenomena such as interfacial tension, diffusion, and exchange across the boundary. In computing and design, interface (interfase in some languages) describes the point of interaction between users and a system or between software components.

Etymology: from inter- and phase/face, reflecting a boundary between states. See also interphase, interface, interfaz, and interfacial.