The stage in mitosis just after prophase during which the chromosomes are aligned along a single plane in the center of the cell. This stage is the briefest stage of mitosis. Each chromosome can clearly be observed as a pair of joined, identical chromatids. The stage ends as soon as the centromeres connecting the pairs to each other break.
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Glossary
Definition:
A stage in mitosis or meiosis during which the chromosomes are aligned along the equatorial plane of the cell.
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