Final Answer:
Three features characteristic of metaphase include the alignment of chromosomes at the cell's equatorial plane (metaphase plate), the attachment of spindle fibers to the centromeres of chromosomes, and the equal distribution of chromosomes between the two daughter cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Metaphase is a stage in mitosis where several distinctive features are observed. First, chromosomes align along the metaphase plate, an imaginary plane at the cell's center. This alignment is crucial for ensuring an equal distribution of genetic material to daughter cells during cell division. Second, spindle fibers, originating from opposite poles of the cell, attach to the centromeres of each chromosome. This attachment provides the necessary tension for proper separation of chromatids during anaphase. Lastly, the equal distribution of chromosomes to the daughter cells occurs as the spindle fibers pull the chromatids apart, ensuring each new cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.