why is interphase an important period in the cell cycle?

Answer 1

There are 2 major errors in your question:
1. Interphase is not just one period, but comprises of 3 phases
2. It is not the most important part of the cell cycle, as all the cycle is important in its essence (otherwise it would not be a cycle).

Anyway, philosophy apart, I guess you want to have a brief description of what happen in Interphase that makes it so important.
Interphase, as said, is composed of the G1, S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. G1 and G2 are "gap" phases between the 2 major events, which are DNA replication (S-phase) and cell division (not part of interphase, but of mitosis).
DNA replication is essential in order to duplicate the genetic material which renders life sustainable. If this wouldn't happen, dividing cells would just simply die (provided they would divide at all) as they would end up with less genetic material that what is needed. As this normally has a lethal outcome, there are protective mechanisms in the cell, called checkpoints, which blocks cells that haven't replicated all their DNA from dividing though mitosis.

SO interphase is important in order to allow cell division to happen.

Answer 2

Interphase is important because it is the time in which the cell grows. If the cell kept dividing, then the place where it is would swell and use up valuable nutrients that the body needs elsewhere. Also, the cell may devote most of the energy into dividing quickly instead of dividing properly, so the cells may not function the way they're supposed to.

Answer 3

interphase consists of 3 phases
G1 phase(growth phase 1)it is the longest phase of interphase where the cell decides as to wether it should divide under the influence of factors like PDGF,IGF etc or go into the permanent non-dividing stage as in the nerve cells(Go phase).it is during this phase that it starts accumalating the raw material needed for replication of DNA and mitosis(also it starts storing ATP-antephase, reqd to drive the mitosis)

S phase or the synthetic phase when the Dna replication takes place

G2 Phase where the other organelle of the cell are replicated

without the initiation by the interphase, mitosis cannot take place.

Answer 4

Most cells spend most of their time in interphase. It is the time when they grow, obtain nutrients, and duplicate chromatids. It is divided up into Gap 1, Synthesis, and Gap 2. Gap 1 and Gap 2 are both growth. In Synthesis, the chromatids are duplicated.

Answer 5

Interphase
1. the cell cycle in which the cell does not divide
2. chromosomes are not distinguishable individually
3. DNA synthesis occurs in this phase biochemically and physiologically
4. extends from end of telophase and beginning of prophase