metaphase plate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Technical/Specialized)Technical/Scientific (Biology, Medicine)
Quick answer
What does “metaphase plate” mean?
The plane or equatorial region of a dividing cell where chromosomes align during metaphase, prior to being separated into the daughter cells.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plane or equatorial region of a dividing cell where chromosomes align during metaphase, prior to being separated into the daughter cells.
In cell biology, it refers specifically to the structure formed by chromosomes congregating at the spindle equator during cell division (mitosis or meiosis). It is not a physical plate but a plane of alignment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation may differ slightly.
Connotations
None; purely technical and denotative in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties, confined to biological sciences.
Grammar
How to Use “metaphase plate” in a Sentence
The metaphase plate forms.Chromosomes align on the metaphase plate.The cell establishes a metaphase plate.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metaphase plate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metaphase-plate alignment was perfect.
American English
- Metaphase-plate formation is a critical step.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Exclusively used in biology textbooks, research papers, and lectures on cell division.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in cell biology, genetics, and related laboratory protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metaphase plate”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metaphase plate”
- Using it as a plural (e.g., 'metaphase plates' when referring to a single cell's structure).
- Confusing it with 'cell plate' in plant cytokinesis.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a physical structure like a shelf. It is a conceptual plane or region in the cell where chromosomes gather.
Yes, chromosomes align on a metaphase plate in both processes, though the pairing of homologous chromosomes is specific to meiosis I.
Yes, during metaphase, the aligned chromosomes at the cell's equator are visible, defining the location of the metaphase plate.
Misalignment can lead to aneuploidy, where daughter cells receive an incorrect number of chromosomes, which is associated with genetic disorders and cancer.
The plane or equatorial region of a dividing cell where chromosomes align during metaphase, prior to being separated into the daughter cells.
Metaphase plate is usually technical/scientific (biology, medicine) in register.
Metaphase plate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmet.ə.feɪz ˌpleɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmet̬.ə.feɪz ˌpleɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine chromosomes as cars lining up at a toll booth (the plate) on the equator of the cell before driving off to opposite poles.
Conceptual Metaphor
The cell's equator; a halfway point or assembly line before final separation.
Practice
Quiz
What is the metaphase plate?