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Multiple Choice
Which phase of mitosis is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes along the metaphase plate?
A
Prophase
B
Metaphase
C
Anaphase
D
Telophase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the process of mitosis, which is the division of a single cell into two genetically identical daughter cells. Mitosis consists of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
In prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope. The nuclear envelope begins to break down, and the mitotic spindle starts to form.
Metaphase is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes along the metaphase plate, which is an imaginary line equidistant from the two spindle poles. This alignment ensures that each daughter cell will receive one copy of each chromosome.
During anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers toward opposite poles of the cell. This separation ensures that each new cell will have the correct number of chromosomes.
Telophase is the final phase of mitosis, where the chromosomes arrive at the poles, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and the cell begins to divide into two separate cells.