Metaphase (image)
The phase of mitosis when the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.
Metaphase is the second stage of mitosis, a process of cell division. During metaphase, the chromosomes align themselves along the equatorial plane of the cell, also known as the metaphase plate. The chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers that originate from the opposite ends of the cell and are responsible for their alignment. Once the chromosomes are aligned, the spindle fibers begin to pull them towards the opposite poles of the cell, marking the beginning of the next stage of mitosis, anaphase.
In the attached image, you can see a dividing animal cell during metaphase. The chromosomes, depicted as dark, compact structures, are aligned neatly along the metaphase plate. The spindle fibers, visible as thin, wispy structures, can be seen extending from the poles of the cell and connecting to the chromosomes.
It’s important to note that the process of mitosis and the stages within it are crucial in the development and growth of organisms, as well as in the repair and regeneration of tissues. Understanding the various stages of mitosis, such as metaphase, can provide important insights into these processes and help researchers develop new treatments for diseases and disorders.
More Answers:
Cytokinesis: The Fascinating Process of Cell Division and its Diverse Mechanisms ExplainedTelophase: The Final Stage of Mitosis Explained
Anaphase: Chromosome Separation in Mitosis and Meiosis