Chromosomes move to the metaphase plate , the plane equidistant between the spindle poles.
Centromeres of all chromosomes are aligned on the metaphase plate. The long axis of each chromosome is roughly at a right angle to the spindle axis. Kinetochores of sister chromatids face opposite poles, so identical chromatids are attached to kinetochore fibers radiating from opposite ends of the parent cell. Entire structure formed by nonkinetochore microtubules plus kinetochore microtubules is called the spindle . Sister chromatids split apart into separate chromosomes and move towards opposite poles of the cell.