What prepares the cell for mitosis during the G₂ phase?

During the G₂ phase of the cell cycle, the cell undergoes several important processes that prepare it for mitosis. One of the key functions of this phase is the checking and repair of DNA for any errors that may have occurred during DNA replication in the preceding S phase. This process is crucial to ensure that the cell does not proceed to mitosis with damaged or incorrect genetic material, which could lead to mutations or cancerous growth.

In addition to error checking, the G₂ phase is also characterized by the duplication of organelles. As the cell prepares to divide, it duplicates essential cellular components, such as mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, to ensure that both daughter cells will have the necessary machinery to function properly after division. By doing this, the cell efficiently gets ready for the demands of mitosis.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary activities occurring during the G₂ phase. For instance, chromosome separation is a key event that takes place during mitosis itself, not the G₂ phase. Cell division happens post-mitosis, and ceasing metabolic functions would not support the preparatory activities needed for successful cell division.