Metaphase
The chromosomes, with two chromatids, move along the mitotic spindle until they are located in the equatorial plane of the cell, forming the equatorial or metaphase plate.
The degree of condensation of the chromosomes is maximum in this phase.
Chromosome kinetochores appear (mother star), which are oriented towards each pole of the cell.
Chromosomal fibers are formed. The mitotic spindle is barrel-shaped and symmetrically arranged with respect to the equatorial plane. They are distinguished:
- Polar microtubules: They come from asters and few are continuous from pole to pole.
- Kinetochoric microtubules: They start from the kinetochores of the chromosomes and join them with the corresponding centriole.
- Free microtubules: Possibly derived from the rupture of the two previous types.