When is a cell in metaphase?

A) The chromosomes are visible as threadlike structures.
B) The nuclear envelope is clearly visible.
C) The chromosomes are aligned at the midplane of the cell.
D) The chromosomes are separated into distinct groups at opposite cell poles.
E) Cytokinesis is occurring.

Metaphase

A stage of cell division (mitosis and meiosis) where chromosomes line up at the cell's equator before being separated into the daughter cells.

Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells, occurring immediately after nuclear division in the cell cycle.

Midplane

An imaginary plane that divides a body into two equal halves, commonly used in anatomy and developmental biology to describe symmetry.