The cell has to be actively dividing for chromosomes to be visible under a microscope. This is called mitosis. For most of the cell?s life, it is in a phase called interphase. Here the chromosomes are spread out like spaghetti. After the DNA is replicated and a cell is ready to divide, the DNA begins to condense to form the chromosome structure that can be seen under the microscope. This is called prophase. The chromosomes then line up in the middle of the cell during metaphase. In anaphase, the chromosomes separate and move to opposite sides of the cell. In telephase, the last phase of mitosis, the chromosomes begin to uncoil as the cell completes the division process.
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