During which phase do chromosomes line up in the center of the cell?

During which phase do chromosomes line up in the center of the cell?

• A. Prophase
• B. Metaphase
• C. Anaphase
• D. Telophase

Answer: (B)

During metaphase, chromosomes line up in the center of the cell along the metaphase plate. The spindle fibers attach to kinetochores at the centromeres and pull from opposite poles, arranging the sisters so they lie in a single plane. This precise alignment ensures that when the centromeres split in the next stage, each new daughter cell will receive an exact copy of each chromosome. Earlier, in prophase, chromosomes condense but aren’t yet lined up; later, in anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart; and in telophase, new nuclei form around the separated chromatids.

During metaphase, chromosomes line up in the center of the cell along the metaphase plate. The spindle fibers attach to kinetochores at the centromeres and pull from opposite poles, arranging the sisters so they lie in a single plane. This precise alignment ensures that when the centromeres split in the next stage, each new daughter cell will receive an exact copy of each chromosome. Earlier, in prophase, chromosomes condense but aren’t yet lined up; later, in anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart; and in telophase, new nuclei form around the separated chromatids.