During which phase do chromosomes arrange themselves at the center of the cell?

During metaphase, chromosomes align themselves at the metaphase plate, which is the equatorial plane of the cell. This alignment is crucial as it prepares the chromosomes for separation into the daughter cells. The spindle fibers, which are protein structures that pull the chromosomes apart, play an essential role in this phase by attaching to the centromeres of the chromosomes, ensuring that each new cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes. This precise arrangement is vital for the accurate distribution of genetic material, contributing to proper cell division. Understanding that metaphase is specifically characterized by this alignment helps in grasping the overall process of mitosis and the importance of each phase in ensuring genetic stability.