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

During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, also known as the metaphase plate. This arrangement is critical because it ensures that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes during the subsequent stages of cell division. The chromosomes, which have already replicated and condensed, attach to spindle fibers that extend from opposite poles of the cell. This precise alignment is essential for the correct segregation of chromosomes, preventing errors that could lead to conditions such as aneuploidy, where cells may end up with an abnormal number of chromosomes. Such organization during metaphase is a hallmark of this specific phase of cell division, distinguishing it from the other stages.