Metaphase

Definition

Metaphase is a stage in both mitosis and meiosis during which all chromosomes align at the center (equator) of the cell before being separated into two new cells.

Related terms

Mitosis:

This is a process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells, each containing the same number of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.

Meiosis:

As mentioned earlier, this is a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Centromere: This is the region on a chromosome where it's held together and where spindle fibers attach during cell division.