How Do You Spell METAPHASE?

Pronunciation: [mˌɛtəfˈe͡ɪz] (IPA)

Metaphase is a term that refers to a stage in the cell division process where the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell. The spelling of the word "metaphase" is based on its pronunciation, which is transcribed as /ˈmɛtəfeɪz/. The /mɛt/ sound is pronounced like "met" in "metaphor," while the /ə/ sound is like the "a" in "about." The /f/ sound is like the "f" in "fly," and the /eɪz/ ending is like the "ay" in "day." Overall, the word "metaphase" is easy to pronounce once you know how to read its IPA transcription.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Plural
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METAPHASE Meaning and Definition

  1. Metaphase is a stage in the process of cell division known as mitosis or meiosis, occurring after prophase and before anaphase. It is characterized by the alignment and arrangement of condensed, duplicated chromosomes at the equatorial plate or metaphase plate in a single plane in the center of the cell. During this stage, the spindle apparatus, consisting of microtubules, has fully formed and is responsible for organizing and positioning the chromosomes.

    In metaphase, the duplicated chromosomes line up along the metaphase plate, being attached to the spindle fibers by their centromeres. This alignment is crucial for ensuring proper separation and distribution of genetic material to the daughter cells during subsequent stages. Metaphase ensures the accurate segregation of chromosomes by providing an opportunity for chromosomes to be checked for any errors or abnormalities before proceeding with anaphase.

    The length of metaphase can vary depending on the cell type, but it generally lasts for a brief duration in comparison to other stages of cell division. Once the chromosomes have aligned at the metaphase plate and have been correctly attached to the spindle fibers, the cell progresses into anaphase, where the separation and movement of sister chromatids towards opposite poles of the cell occur. Metaphase is a critical checkpoint in cell division and plays a vital role in maintaining the proper ploidy of cells, ensuring genetic stability, and promoting the equal distribution of genetic material.

  2. The stage in mitosis embracing the period of the splitting up of the chromosomes.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for METAPHASE

Etymology of METAPHASE

The word "metaphase" originates from Greek. It is a combination of two Greek words: "meta", meaning "after" or "beyond", and "phasis", meaning "appearance" or "phase". Therefore, "metaphase" literally translates to "beyond phase" or "after phase". This term was coined by German anatomist Walther Flemming in 1882 to describe the stage of mitosis in which the chromosomes align in the middle of the cell before they are separated into two daughter cells.

Similar spelling words for METAPHASE

Plural form of METAPHASE is METAPHASES

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Correct spelling for metaphase
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