What occurs during metaphase?
Quick Answer
During metaphase, the chromosomes that carry genetic information align in the equator of the cell before they split off into two daughter cells with identical genetic material. Metaphase is the third stage of mitosis, which is a phase of the cell cycle where chromosomes in the nucleus are divided between two cells.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Before metaphase takes place, the protein formations form around the centromere. These protein formations are called kinetochores. Long protein filaments extend from the poles on either end of the cell and attach to the kinetochores. These microtubules pull the sister chromatids back and forth until they are fully aligned down the center of the cell. At this point of the cycle, the cell begins to divide and moves into the fourth stage of the cycle, which is known as anaphase. The metaphase cycle takes up about 4 percent of the cycle of the cell.
During anaphase, the paired centromeres begin to move apart, and once they separate from one another, they are considered a full chromosome, or the daughter chromosomes. These chromosomes move to the poles at the opposite ends of the cell and the kinetochore fibers become shorter. The two cell poles also move further apart in preparation for telophase.
Learn more about CellsRelated Questions
-
Q:
What happens during prophase?
A: Prophase is one of the first phases of mitosis and it focuses on preparing the spindles, metaphase plate and chromosomes to work in the later phases of the... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How does a tetrad form in prophase 1 of meiosis?
A: Tetrads, also known as bivalents, form during the prophase 1 stage of meiosis when duplicated chromosomes, each composed of two identical chromatids, pair ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are the stages of the cell cycle in order?
A: The stages of the cell cycle in order are interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. This process is known as mitosis and is used to generate... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is a group of cells that form from an original single cell?
A: Cells arising from a single progenitor cell are called daughter cells or clones. These terms apply only to cells arising through binary fission in prokaryo... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
-
Q:
Where in the cell does protein synthesis take place?
-
Q:
Why did Robert Hooke use the term "cells" in reference to small biological organisms?
-
Q:
What is the purpose of glycolysis?
-
Q:
What surrounds the individual muscle cell?
-
Q:
What is paracrine signaling?
