During which phase of mitosis do chromosomes align at the center of the cell?

During mitosis, chromosomes align at the center of the cell during metaphase. In this phase, the chromosomes, which have already been replicated and condensed, line up along the metaphase plate, a middle plane equidistant from the two poles of the cell. This alignment is crucial for ensuring that when the chromosomes are pulled apart, each new daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. The alignment is facilitated by the spindle fibers, which attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes and help to organize them in preparation for separation. This precise arrangement ensures proper distribution of genetic material, contributing to the fidelity of cell division.