Metaphase is the second step of mitotic cell division after prophase. Metaphase is characterised by the alignment of the duplicated chromosomes at the equatorial plate known as the metaphase plate. One of the sister chromatids is attached to one pole of the cell by microtubules attached to its kinetochore and the other sister chromatid gets attached to the opposite pole.
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Key features of Metaphase
- Chromosomes are completely condensed and can be seen under the microscope.
- The nuclear envelope disintegrates completely and chromosomes are present in the cytoplasm.
- Sister chromatids are attached to each other at centromere by a protein complex called cohesin.
- Microtubules bind to the kinetochore of sister chromatids. The kinetochore is a multiprotein complex attached to each centromere.
- Sister chromatids get attached to kinetochore microtubules coming from opposite poles.
- Microtubules attached to kinetochore pull sister chromatids back and forth until they get aligned at the equatorial plate or metaphase plate in the middle of the cell.
- Metaphase ensures an equal division of chromosomes in the daughter cells.
- Karyotyping is generally done at this stage for research and finding chromosomal abnormalities.
- Colchicine, an alkaloid derived from the corm of Colchicum autumnale, arrests cell division at metaphase. It interferes with the formation of spindle fibres.
Metaphase is followed by Anaphase, which is characterized by separation and movement of sister chromatids to the opposite poles.
This was a brief note on Metaphase. Explore notes on mitosis, meiosis and other important concepts related to NEET, only at BYJU’S.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is prometaphase?
Prometaphase is a mitotic cell division phase that precedes the metaphase. Once the kinetochore microtubules get attached to their kinetochores, this phase will lead to the metaphase. Also, the early events of metaphase and late events of prometaphase coincide with each other.
What happens during anaphase?
It is a mitotic cell division phase that comes after metaphase. Here, the centromeres split and the chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
Does metaphase occur in meiosis?
Yes, of course, metaphase is also seen in meiotic cell division. Meiosis is a type of cell division that happens in specialised cells to produce gametes (egg cells or sperms). Meiosis involves two cycles of nuclear and cell division termed meiosis Ⅰ and meiosis Ⅱ. Thus we get to see the occurrence of metaphase Ⅰ and metaphase Ⅱ.
Also Check:
- Do Prokaryotes Have Mitosis or Meiosis?
- Meiosis takes place in
- Does Mitosis Produce Diploid Cells?
- How Do Cells Produce New Cells?
- Why Is Meiosis Called a Reduction Division?
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