metaphase
Americannoun
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the stage in mitosis or meiosis in which the duplicated chromosomes line up along the equatorial plate of the spindle.
noun
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The stage of cell division in which the duplicated chromosomes become aligned along the center of the cell, called the equatorial plate or metaphase plate. Metaphase lasts up to an hour, and ends in mitosis and the second division of meiosis when separation of the paired chromosomal strands (called chromatids) begins. In the first division of meiosis, the paired chromosomes separate from one another. Metaphase is preceded by prophase and followed by anaphase.
Etymology
Origin of metaphase
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For almost twenty years, textbooks described CENP-E as a motor that pulled chromosomes to the metaphase plate.
From Science Daily • Dec. 10, 2025
The meiotic division is arrested in metaphase II. Fertilization triggers completion of the second meiotic division and the result is one ovum and an additional polar body.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015
Cell division is again arrested, this time at metaphase II. At ovulation, this secondary oocyte is released and travels toward the uterus through the oviduct.
From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013
Mitosis consists of five stages: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013
Figure 4 shows the 52 chromosomes of a spermatogonial division in metaphase.
From Studies in Spermatogenesis Part I by Stevens, Nettie Maria
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