metaphase
Mitotic midpoint stage
Metaphase is the stage of cell division when chromosomes line up along the cell's equator, attached to spindle fibers, before being pulled apart.
It's the midpoint of mitosis or meiosis, when chromosomes are most visible and condensed—the classic image in biology textbooks.
The cells were arrested in metaphase for chromosome analysis.
division
Rotating rod for thread
- equatorMidpoint circle of rotation
- cytokinesisCytoplasmic division after mitosis
- cell divisionParent splitting into offspring
- mitosisNuclear division producing identical cells
structure
Chromosome's spindle attachment site
- microtubulesHollow cellular protein structures
- centrosomeMicrotubule-organizing organelle
- chromatinNuclear protein-wrapped genetic material
- centriolesCylindrical cell structures
checkpoint
Inspection station on route
- cohesionTendency to bind together
- segregationForced separation by group
spindle
Rotating rod for thread
- equatorMidpoint circle of rotation
- cytokinesisCytoplasmic division after mitosis
- cell divisionParent splitting into offspring
mitosis · meiosis · cell cycle
centromere
Chromosome's spindle attachment site
- microtubulesHollow cellular protein structures
- centrosomeMicrotubule-organizing organelle
- chromatinNuclear protein-wrapped genetic material
checkpoint
Inspection station on route
- cohesionTendency to bind together
- segregationForced separation by group