Metaphase in meiosis
- Date: 2nd half of the 20th century
- Location: Ghent, Belgium
- Collection: Botanical Garden
What does this series of models depict?
The wire models represent various stages of the cell cycle.
What is a cell cycle?
A cell replicates by dividing itself. The cell-division process consists of a number of steps, which – including the phase in between cell divisions – make up the complete cell cycle.
What happens during the cell cycle?
Interphase is the phase in which a cell is preparing for cell division. During this phase, the genetic material is present inside the cell’s nucleus in what appears to be a tangle of fibres. The chromosomes condense into two arms (chromatids) joined together at a central point (centromere) during prophase. Bright, small organelles (centrioles) move towards the opposite ends of the nucleus during metaphase, forming mitotic spindles. Next, the chromosomes take their place at the centre of the cell.
Which stage in the cell cycle does this model depict?
This is a model of metaphase in meiosis, i.e. cell division in reproductive cells. The paired chromosomes align along the equator of the cell, which is called the equatorial plane. The fibres of the mitotic spindle connect a single chromosome to a bright organelle (centriole) at the end of the cell.
