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Metaphase

Metaphase: By metaphase, chromosomes have reached the metaphase plate (or equator) in the middle of the cell.They are attached to the spindles by their centromeres.The spindles are microtubules that are responsible for the movement of the chromosomes to the equator.The energy for this movement is provided by mitochondria and is in the form of the energy yielding bonds of ATP.

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Specification: AQA Biology (7401), AS-level, 3.2.2 All cells arise from other cells. Topic: The Cell Cycle.

Key terms in this lesson

ATP
Adenosine triphosphate, a nucleotide that acts as the immediate energy source in cells, releasing energy when hydrolysed to ADP and phosphate.
centromere
The region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are held together and where spindle fibres attach.
spindle fibres
Protein fibres that extend across a dividing cell and attach to the centromeres of chromosomes, pulling them apart.

More in The Cell Cycle

All 12 lessons in The Cell Cycle · All AQA AS-level Biology topics