Final answer:
Chromosomes are most condensed during the metaphase of the cell cycle, which facilitates their proper segregation during cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cell cycle phase during which you would observe chromosomes to be the most condensed is called metaphase. During metaphase, chromosomes line up at the cell's equator and are most easily visible under a microscope due to their highly condensed state. The process of condensing chromosomes involves the coiling of chromatin into a tightly packed structure, which is facilitated by several classes of proteins, including the condensin complex. This structure is necessary for the proper segregation of chromosomes during cell division. The centrality of the condensed chromosomes during metaphase is crucial for ensuring that each new cell receives an accurate copy of the genome following the completion of mitosis.