Question

Chromosomes are arranged along the equator during:

• A. Prophase
• B. metaphase
• C. anaphase
• D. telophase

Answer 1

The correct option is B

metaphase

The correct option is B.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. During metaphase, chromosomes are organized on an equatorial plate.
2. Metaphase is the stage of eukaryotic cell division when the chromosomes align in the middle of the cell.
3. Metaphase is the third phase of mitosis, the process by which a parent cell's duplicated genetic material is separated into two identical daughter cells in the nucleus.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Chromosomes become shorter and thicker and more easily stained.
2. The sister chromatids are joined at the centromere. The nuclear envelope begins to disappear.
3. Homologous chromosomes line up next to at least one another during a process called synapsis.
4. The nuclear envelope begins to disappear and spindle fibers begin to make at the poles of the cell.

Option C:

Homologous chromosomes, each consisting of two sister chromatids held together by a centromere – separate and start to maneuver to the other poles of the cell, pulled by the shrinking spindle fibers.

Option D:

1. The movement of homologous chromosomes to the poles is completed.
2. The spindle disappears.
3. Cytokinesis or cellular division occurs, producing two haploid (n) daughter cells, each with just one set of chromosomes (1n).

Final answer: Chromosomes get arranged on the equatorial plate during the metaphase stage of the cell cycle.