What happens to liver cells after an injury in terms of the cell cycle?

After an injury, liver cells are induced to enter the cell cycle in order to facilitate repair and regeneration of the tissue. Liver cells, or hepatocytes, have a remarkable ability to proliferate in response to damage. When the liver is injured, signaling pathways activate that promote cell division and help in recovering the lost or damaged tissue. This regenerative capacity is crucial for maintaining liver function and overall homeostasis within the body.

The process involves various growth factors and cytokines that stimulate the cells to move from the resting phase (G0) of the cell cycle into active phases, eventually leading them to undergo mitosis. This process not only aids in healing but ensures that the liver can restore its capacity to perform its many essential functions, such as detoxifying substances, synthesizing proteins, and producing biochemicals necessary for digestion.

The other choices, while related to cell behavior, do not accurately describe the typical response of liver cells to injury. Apoptosis refers to programmed cell death, which is generally a response to severe damage or stress, not the primary response in liver injury. Entering M phase immediately does not occur as cells must first go through earlier phases to prepare for division. Lastly, cells that stop functioning entirely would not contribute to recovery, which