metaphase plate

Introduction

An imaginary line equidistant from the 2 centrosome poles on which centromeres convene during metaphase. Alignment is due to counterbalance of forces generated by opposing kinetichores. In some cells, chromosomes do not align at the metaphase plte, but rather move back & forth between the poles randomly, only roughly lining up along the midline.

More general terms

• plate

Component of

• metaphase