Final answer:
The G1 phase of the cell cycle is where the cell carries out normal functions and prepares for division.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phase of the cell cycle where the cell is carrying out normal functions and getting ready to divide is the G1 phase. The G1 phase, also known as the first gap phase, is a period where the cell grows by accumulating the building blocks of chromosomal DNA and the associated proteins. It also accumulates sufficient energy reserves necessary for the task of DNA replication which occurs in the subsequent S phase (synthesis phase). This is all part of interphase, which precedes the mitotic phase (M phase) of the cell cycle. Interphase includes the G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase, where the cell prepares itself for division.