Metaphase plate

Definition

The metaphase plate is an imaginary line located at the equator of the cell during metaphase of mitosis and meiosis, where chromosomes align before being separated into daughter cells. It ensures that each new cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

Related terms

Mitosis:

A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.

Chromosomes:

Thread-like structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes.

Cell Division: The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells