Question

Match the statement to interphase or the phase of mitosis in the key. a. metaphase b. interphase c. telophase d. prophase e. anaphase. Chromosomes line up at the equator.

Short answer

The statement "Chromosomes line up at the equator" corresponds to the key feature of metaphase in the cell cycle. Therefore, the correct answer is a. metaphase.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the phases of the cell cycle

The cell cycle consists of interphase and the mitotic phase. Interphase is when the cell is not dividing and carries out normal cell functions, while the mitotic phase is when the cell is preparing for division. The mitotic phase can be further broken down into four main phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Define the key features of each phase

Now let's recall the key features of each phase: - Interphase: The cell is preparing for division by growing and replicating DNA, but chromosomes are not yet visible. - Prophase: Chromosomes become visible, the nuclear envelope dissolves, and the mitotic spindle starts to form. - Metaphase: Chromosomes line up along the equator (middle) of the cell, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes. - Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers. - Telophase: Chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear envelope re-forms, and the spindle fibers disappear. This is followed by cytokinesis, when the cell splits into two daughter cells.

Match the statement to the correct phase

The statement "Chromosomes line up at the equator" corresponds to the key feature of metaphase, where chromosomes align at the equator of the cell before they are separated by the spindle fibers. Hence, the correct answer is a. metaphase.