To understand when spindle fibers attach to kinetochores of chromosomes during cell division, we need to consider the stages of mitosis: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.
- Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible. The nuclear envelope begins to break down, and spindle fibers start forming but do not yet attach to kinetochores.
- Metaphase: This is the key stage where spindle fibers attach to the kinetochores of chromosomes. Chromosomes are aligned at the cell equator, known as the metaphase plate, due to these attachments.
- Anaphase: Spindle fibers shorten, pulling sister chromatids apart towards opposite poles of the cell.
- Telophase: Chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear envelope reforms, and the chromosomes begin to de-condense.
Hence, spindle fibers attach to kinetochores during Metaphase.