Metaphase Plate Alignment — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2023Doubling of the number of chromosomes can be achieved by disrupting mitotic cell division soon after: [NEET 2023 ]
Doubling of the number of chromosomes can be achieved by disrupting mitotic cell division soon after: [NEET 2023 ]
Answer & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: D — Metaphase
Disrupting mitosis after metaphase prevents anaphase and subsequent chromosome separation. If cell division is blocked after DNA replication (S phase) and chromosome alignment (metaphase) but before sister chromatid separation (anaphase), the cell retains double the chromosome number. The chromosomes have already duplicated during S phase, and blocking division after metaphase maintains this doubled chromosome count. This principle is used in plant breeding to create polyploid varieties.
Read more NCERT concept on the PYQ
• Chromosomes are moved to spindle equator and get aligned along metaphase plate through spindle fibres to both poles.
During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equator (metaphase plate) through spindle fiber attachments at centromeres. This is a critical checkpoint where all chromosomes must be properly positioned before anaphase separation. Students often confuse metaphase alignment with actual chromosome separation—metaphase is positioning only, not separation. Remember: chromosomes line up but remain attached at centromeres until anaphase begins. NTA tests this to verify students distinguish between metaphase's alignment phase and anaphase's separation phase, ensuring understanding of orderly mitotic progression.
What does NCERT say about Chromosomes are moved to?
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