What happens in 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 is marked by the alignment of chromosomes at the center of the cell, half way between each of the mitoic spindle poles. Movement is mediated by the kinetochore microtubles, which push and pull on the chromosomes to align them into what is called the metaphase plate. 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