A scientist looks into a microscope and sees that replicated chromosome pairs are lined up in the center of a cell. Which mitotic phase is the scientist likely witnessing?

Question

A scientist looks into a microscope and sees that replicated chromosome pairs are lined up in the center of a cell. Which mitotic phase is the scientist likely witnessing?

Answer 1

The scientist is likely witnessing metaphase. During metaphase, replicated chromosome pairs (sister chromatids) align at the metaphase plate, which is the equatorial plane of the cell, preparing for separation during the next phase of mitosis (anaphase).