Question

A cell is in metaphase if: a) the chromosomes are visible as thread-like structures. b) the nuclear envelope is clearly visible. c) the chromosomes are aligned on the equatorial plane of the cell. d) the chromosome are separated into distinct groups at opposite poles of the cell?

1) the chromosomes are visible as thread-like structures.
2) the nuclear envelope is clearly visible.
3) the chromosomes are aligned on the equatorial plane of the cell.
4) the chromosome are separated into distinct groups at opposite poles of the cell.

Answer 1

A cell is in metaphase when the chromosomes are aligned on the metaphase plate or equatorial plane of the cell(C), not when they are thread-like, when the nuclear envelope is visible, or when chromosomes are separated at opposite poles.

Step-by-step explanation:

A cell is in metaphase if the chromosomes are aligned on the equatorial plane of the celi(C). During this stage, the chromosomes are highly condensed and at their most visible under a microscope. Furthermore, the nuclear envelope is not visible as it has broken down during the previous stage, prophase. The sister chromatids are tightly attached to each other and aligned along the center of the cell, known as the metaphase plate or equatorial plane, and they are not yet separated into distinct groups at opposite poles of the cell, which occurs during anaphase.