At metaphase of mitosis,                   . a. the chromosomes are condensed and found at the poles; b. the chromosomes are composed of one sister chromatid; c. cytokinesis begins; d. the chromosomes are composed of two sister chromatids and are lined up along the equator of the cell

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of mitosis, which is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.
2. Identify what happens during metaphase, one of the key stages of mitosis. During metaphase, chromosomes align at the metaphase plate (equator) of the cell.
3. Recognize the structure of chromosomes during metaphase. Each chromosome is composed of two identical halves known as sister chromatids, which are joined together at a region called the centromere.
4. Evaluate the statements given in the options based on the characteristics of metaphase in mitosis.
5. Choose the option that correctly describes the state of chromosomes during metaphase of mitosis, considering their structure and position within the cell.

Key Concepts

Mitosis

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells. It consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, ensuring that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

Chromatids

Chromatids are the two identical halves of a replicated chromosome, joined together at a region called the centromere. During mitosis, each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids, which are separated during anaphase to ensure that each daughter cell receives one copy of each chromosome.

Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division, occurring after mitosis, where the cytoplasm of a parental cell divides into two daughter cells. This process typically begins during anaphase or telophase and is crucial for the physical separation of the two new cells, ensuring that they can function independently.