Final answer:
To find a cell with condensed chromosomes in a straight line, you must search the zone of cell division or apical meristem, where mitosis occurs and metaphase can be observed.
Step-by-step explanation:
If your lab instructor is asking you to find a cell with condensed chromosomes arranged in a straight line, you would need to look at a cell that is in metaphase of cell division, specifically mitosis. Metaphase is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes along the metaphase plate, which is the center of the cell. In a plant root, the zone of the root where mitosis and thus metaphase occurs is the zone of cell division. This area, which is near the tip of the root, is also known as the apical meristem. The cells are small, actively dividing, and show different stages of mitosis.
In the zone of cell division, you will find cells at various stages of the cell cycle, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. However, the zone of elongation and the zone of maturation would not typically have cells in metaphase as they are areas where the cells grow in size and differentiate into specific types of cells, respectively.