In which phase of mitosis do chromosomes align in the cell's center?

During metaphase, chromosomes align at the center of the cell, often referred to as the metaphase plate or equatorial plane. This alignment is crucial for the accurate distribution of genetic material into two daughter cells. The spindle fibers, which are structures that help segregate chromosomes, attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes, ensuring that each sister chromatid is positioned correctly. This phase is a key checkpoint in the cell cycle because it allows the cell to verify that all chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle apparatus before proceeding to anaphase, where the chromosomes will be pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell. This precise alignment prevents errors in chromosome separation, which can lead to aneuploidy (a condition where cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes).