Metaphase in cell division. Illustration of a cell in the metaphase stage of mitotic cell division (mitosis). The chromosomes (yellow and orange) are lined up down centre on what is called the metaphase plate. Spindle fibres (red dashed lines) form what is called the mitotic spindle. At centre left and centre right are the centrosomes (orange) around which the spindle fibres form a star-like structure called the aster. This stage is followed by anaphase, where the chromosomes (containing the cell's genetic material of deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA]) split into chromatids and move to opposite ends of the dividing cell. For this artwork with labels, see C023/8850.