During which stage of mitosis do the chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell?

• A. Prophase
• B. Metaphase
• C. Anaphase
• D. Telophase

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the stages of mitosis: Mitosis is divided into several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
2. Identify the key events in each stage: In prophase, chromosomes condense and become visible. In metaphase, chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell. In anaphase, sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles. In telophase, the cell prepares to divide into two.
3. Focus on metaphase: During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, which is an imaginary line equidistant from the two spindle poles.
4. Recognize the role of the spindle apparatus: The spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes and help align them at the cell's equator during metaphase.
5. Conclude that the stage where chromosomes line up at the equator is metaphase, based on the key events and characteristics of each mitotic stage.