Kinetochore microtubules attach to the kinetochores at the centromere regions. Nonkinetochore fibers overlap andinteract with each other. Asters are short microtubules that radiate from centrioles. Click on the picture to see a larger image and to compare this stage with the other stages of mitosis. Click on the picture to see a larger image.
Chromosomes line up precisely at the midline of the spindle.
This imaginary line is called the metaphase plate or equator . Click on the picture to see a larger image and to compare this stage with the other stages of mitosis. Click on the picture to see a larger image. Chromosomes are pulled apart by the shortening of the kinetochore fibers. Each sister chromatid is now a chromosome.