During which phase do chromosomes line up in the center of the cell?

During metaphase, chromosomes align along the metaphase plate, which is the equatorial plane of the cell. This arrangement occurs after the chromosomes have been duplicated and condensed, making them visible under a microscope. The spindle fibers, which are structures that help separate chromatids, attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes during this phase. The precise alignment of chromosomes at the center of the cell is crucial for ensuring that, during the subsequent phase (anaphase), each sister chromatid is pulled apart and distributed evenly to the daughter cells. This orderly arrangement helps prevent errors in chromosome number, which can lead to issues such as aneuploidy in the resulting cells.