Meaning & use

metaphase

noun·Advanced

The stage of cell division in which chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell before separating.

See it in a sentence

During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the cell's equator, ready to be pulled apart.

The biology textbook included a diagram showing metaphase between prophase and anaphase.

A note on using this word

Metaphase occurs in both mitosis and meiosis and is a key stage examined under a microscope in cell biology labs.

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