Meaning & use
metaphase
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Meaning
noununcountabletechnicalbiology
The stage of cell division when chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell before separating.
Grammar: Usually used without an article, like other stage names: during metaphase. It can take an or the when referring to a specific instance: the metaphase of this cell.
Patterns
- during metaphase
- at metaphase
- metaphase of mitosis
- metaphase plate
During metaphase, the chromosomes align along the equator of the cell.
The microscope image clearly showed a cell in metaphase.
Errors in chromosome separation can be detected at metaphase.
Common combinations
- metaphase plate
- The chromosomes gather at the metaphase plate.
- enter metaphase
- The cell enters metaphase after prometaphase.
- arrest in metaphase
- Certain drugs arrest cells in metaphase.
- metaphase chromosome
- Metaphase chromosomes are highly condensed.
Word family
- metaphasic adjective
- relating to metaphase.
Commonly confused: metaphase or anaphase? metaphase or prophase?
metaphase vs anaphase
Anaphase is the next stage, when the chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends of the cell. Metaphase is when they line up.
metaphase vs prophase
Prophase comes before metaphase, when the chromosomes first become visible and the nuclear membrane breaks down.
Practice
During which stage of cell division do chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell?
Choose one answer.
Metaphase is the stage when chromosomes align at the cell equator. Prophase is earlier (chromosomes condense), anaphase is when they separate, and telophase is when the cell divides.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “metaphase”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.