What happens to the chromosomes during mitosis metaphase?

During mitosis metaphase, chromosomes undergo a critical process where they line up across the center of the cell, known as the metaphase plate. This alignment is essential for ensuring that when the chromosomes are pulled apart during the next phase of mitosis, each new daughter cell receives an accurate and complete set of chromosomes.

The lining up of the chromosomes is facilitated by structures called spindle fibers, which attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes. This arrangement is a key preventative measure against errors in chromosome segregation, as it ensures that each daughter cell ends up with the correct number of chromosomes. Thus, the designation of chromosomes lining up in the middle as the defining event of metaphase highlights the importance of this step in the overall process of cell division.