Cell Function
metaphase Audio
met·a·phase [ met-uh-feyz ]
Subclass of:
Mitosis; Meiosis
Etymology:
Greek meta = after + phasis = phase or stage
The second stage in mitosis.
Definitions related to metaphase:
  • The cell cycle phase, following prophase or prometaphase in higher eukaryotes, during which chromosomes become aligned on the equatorial plate of the cell.
    Gene Ontology Dictionary
    Gene Ontology Consortium, 2021
  • The phase of cell nucleus division following PROMETAPHASE, in which the CHROMOSOMES line up across the equatorial plane of the SPINDLE APPARATUS prior to separation.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.