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Multiple Choice
Which phase of mitosis is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes along the metaphase plate?
A
Prophase
B
Anaphase
C
Telophase
D
Metaphase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand 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 chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle begins to form. The nuclear envelope starts to break down.
Metaphase is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes along the metaphase plate, an imaginary line equidistant from the two spindle poles. This ensures that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.
In anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers and move toward opposite poles of the cell.
Telophase involves the reformation of the nuclear envelope around each set of separated sister chromatids, now individual chromosomes, and the chromosomes begin to de-condense back into chromatin.