Chromosomal morphology is best observed at metaphase. Metaphase is a stage of mitosis in the cell cycle in which chromosomes are at their most condensed and coiled stage. Related Theory In metaphase chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate, under tension from the mitotic spindle. The two sister chromatids of each chromosome are captured by microtubules from opposite spindle poles. In metaphase, the spindle has captured all the chromosomes and lined them up at the middle of the cell, ready to divide.