Metaphase (Gr. Meta — After, Phasis — Phase)

Metaphase is the middle stage of mitosis, in which the chromosomes line up in the equatorial plane of the cell.

At the metaphase stage, chromosomes move towards the equator of the cell. In prophase of mitosis, the chromosomes have already become compacted and distinguishable, and now they line up in the middle of the cell, forming the so-called metaphase plate.

Chromosomes in metaphase are maximally reduced and have a compact V- or X-shape. They consist of two sister chromatids joined at the centromere.

The alignment of chromosomes in the metaphase plate is very important for their subsequent correct divergence to the cell poles during cell division. Thus, metaphase plays a key role in ensuring equal distribution of genetic material between daughter cells.