NEETBotanyCell Cycle and Cell Division
What is the main characteristic of metaphase?
Options
- AChromosomes are held together by the centromere
- BChromosomes are moved into position at the center of the cell
- CChromosomes are aligned at the metaphase plate
- DAll of the above
Correct answer
D. All of the above
Step-by-step solution
At this stage, metaphase chromosome is made up of two sister chromatids, which are held together by the centromere. Small disc-shaped structures at the surface of the centromeres are called kinetochores. These structures serve as the sites of attachment of spindle fibres (formed by the spindle fibres) to the chromosomes that are moved into position at the centre of the cell. Hence, the metaphase is characterised by all the chromosomes coming to lie at the equator with one chromatid of each chromosome connected by i