The phase of mitosis where chromosomes line up at the equator (middle) of the cell is called _____.

The phase of mitosis where chromosomes line up at the equator (middle) of the cell is called _____.

A. Anaphase

B. Telophase

C. Interphase

D. Metaphase

Answer: D. Metaphase

Metaphase is the stage of mitosis in which the chromosomes move to the centre of the cell or more specifically, the equator. This stage is very critical in the process of cell division and comes after prophase and before anaphase. The chromosomes which have already become compact and have made a copy of themselves move to the centre of the cell, known as metaphase plate during metaphase. This alignment is made faster by spindle fibre that are attached at the centromeres of each chromosome. The correct positioning of the chromosomes at the equatorial plates guarantees that in the process of division, the newly created daughter cells will inherit the correct copy of the chromosomes. Metaphase is a very important stage of the cell division cycle because it involves checking of proper attachment of chromosomes to the spindle fibers, before the onset of anaphase. This phase is the easiest to define, at least when viewed under a microscope because the chromosomes are very distinct and are orderly aligned.