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.
Analogy
Think of metaphase like a game of tug-of-war. The chromosomes (players) line up in the middle of the cell (the field), ready to be pulled to opposite ends when the rope is tugged.
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.
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