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Definition of Prophase chromosome
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Prophase chromosome: A chromosome at the prophase stage in the cell cycle, before metaphase (when a chromosome is most highly condensed). The chromosomes in prophase are distended and often tangled like a ball of twine within the nucleus of the cell. However, when fine chromosomal details are important, prophase chromosomes are frequently selected for high resolution chromosome banding and analysis.