Master Metaphase with Picmonic for Pre-Health

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Metaphase

Meat-Face

Picmonic

Metaphase is the second phase of cell division and is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes or homologous chromosomes at the center of the cell. Microtubules extend from the spindle apparatus and centrioles to attach to chromosomes in preparation for separation of genetic material. Chromosomes are aligned at the metaphase plate which is equidistant from each centriole. In meiosis I metaphase, homologous chromosomes are paired at the metaphase plate, such that tetrads span the metaphase plate. Each cell gets a sister chromatid set. This allows for each cell to get one copy of the chromosomes, such that neither cell has a copy of chromosomes from both the original parents. In mitosis and meiosis II metaphases, sister chromatids are aligned at the metaphase plate. This means that each cell will only get one chromatid. The centromere is the site of connection for sister chromatids, and the kinetochore is a protein structure on the centromere that serves as the binding site for microtubules.

6 KEY FACTS

Microtubules from the spindle apparatus connect to the kinetochores of chromosomes.

The centromere is part of the chromosome that links sister chromatids together. The spindles attach to centromeres through kinetochores.

The kinetochore is a protein structure on the chromatids where the spindle fibers attach to pull sister chromatids apart (or homologous chromosomes in the case of meiosis I).

In meiosis I, homologous chromosome pairs, or tetrads, are lined up at the metaphase plate ready to be split such that each daughter cell gets one of the chromosomes from a homologous pair. Thus, each daughter cell gets one of the parent's chromosomes for each chromosome (1-23), but not both parent's genetic information.

In meiosis II, sister chromatids are lined up at the metaphase plate but may not be exactly genetically identical due to crossing over that occurred during meiosis I.

In mitosis, sister chromatids are lined up at the metaphase plate and are ready to be separated into individual chromatids (that are genetically identical).

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

Telophase

Anaphase

Newton's First Law

Take the Metaphase Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

See more reviews

Picmonic for Pre-Health Covers

Pre-Health
200+ Videos
1,000+ Facts

*Average video play time: 2-3 minutes

Anatomy:
50+ Videos

Biochemistry and Genetics:
30+ Videos

Biology:
30+ Videos

Chemistry:
3 Videos

Human Physiology:
60+ Videos

Microbiology:
1 Video

Physics:
6 Videos

Psychology:
30+ Videos

Search for a specific Video or category now!

Or create your own Picmonic

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Ace Your Pre-Health Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 2,040,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Pre-Health student study app.

Picmonic for Pre-Health covers information that is relevant to your entire Pre-Health education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the MCAT, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Pre-Health flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.