What happens during metaphase of mitosis?

During metaphase, the chromosomes that carry genetic information align in the equator of the cell before they split off into two daughter cells with identical genetic material. Metaphase is the third stage of mitosis, which is a phase of the cell cycle where chromosomes in the nucleus are divided between two cells. read more

Metaphase (from the Greek μετά, "adjacent" and φάσις, "stage") is a stage of mitosis in the eukaryotic cell cycle in which chromosomes are at their second-most condensed and coiled stage (they are at their most condensed in anaphase). read more

Now, during metaphase — the second stage of mitosis — the chromosomes, guided by the spindle fibers, line up in the middle of the dividing cell. The chromosomes are now maximally condensed. read more