metaphase

thumb|upright=1.35|The mitotic spindle checkpoint verifies that all the chromosomes are aligned properly on the metaphase plate and prevents premature entry into anaphase.

Metaphase ( and ) is a stage of mitosis in the cell cycle in which chromosomes of eukaryotes are at their second-most condensed and coiled stage (they are at their most condensed in anaphase). These chromosomes, carrying genetic information, align in the equator of the cell between the spindle poles at the metaphase plate, before being separated into each of the two daughter nuclei. This alignment marks the beginning of metaphase. Metaphase accounts for approximately 4% of the cell cycle's duration.