During metaphase, chromosomes align along the metaphase plate, in preparation for anaphase. This phase of the cell cycle is highly visible as a distinct band of chromosomes lined up in the center of the cell.

This cell is in metaphase. This can be determined because the chromosomes are lined up on in the middle. This is known as the metaphase plate. After alignment the microtubules attach, and the chromosomes are ready to be seperated, which is the next phase (anaphase).

Centrosomes are portions of the cell that help nucleate microtubules and form the mitotic spindle. Centrioles are composed of tubulin and are portions of the centrosome. The centromere is the portion of the chromosome where the two sister chromatids are linked. The kinetochore is a protein structure that helps associate the mitotic spindle to the sister chromatids. The outer portion of the kinetochore interacts with the microtubules, while the inner portion associates with the centromeric DNA. 

During anaphase two chromosomes over the metaphase plate are separated, and each daughter cell gets one copy. If this happens inappropriately and separation does not occur, a nondisjunction takes place.

Combrestatin interferes with the formation of microtubules, which make up the cytoskeletal architecture of a cell; therefore, the correct answer choice is involved with some microtubule-based process. DNA and protein synthesis do not involve microtubules, and would not be affected by the lack thereof. Muscle contraction depends on myosin, actin, troponin, etc., and not on microtubules. Membrane depolarization involves sodium/potassium channels, neurotransmitters, etc., and is not directly affected by microtubule inhibition.

The only answer that remains is mitosis, which involves microtubules in chromosomal segregation. The mitotic spindle in this separation is primarily composed of microtubules. The polymerization and depolymerization of microtubules is crucial for mitotic division. Combrestatin therefore prevents proper mitosis.

The mitotic sequence occurs during the M phase of the cell cycle. The process is outlined below.

Prophase—chromosomes condense

Metaphase—chromosomes align in the center of the cell

Anaphase—sister chromatids begin to separate

Telophase—separated chromosomes decondense (relax)

Cytokinesis—the cytosol of the cell completely separates and the membranes fuse shut

The fibers of the spindle apparatus function by attaching to the centromeres of chromosomes and shortening, pulling the chromosomes to opposite ends of the cell. Since chromosomes line up on the apparatus during metaphase, we know that the spindle apparatus must have begun to form during prophase. The spindle attach during metaphase, and pull the chromatids apart during anaphase.

During anaphase, sister chromatids are separated and pulled to polar ends of the cell. Drug therapy would best be able to target the mutation during this phase of mitosis.

Chromosomes condense and exit the nucleus during prophase. Alignment along the equatorial plate occurs during metaphase. Separation occurs during anaphase, and the nuclei begin to re-form during telophase in preparation for cytokinesis.

DNA is stored in loosely wound euchromatin before mitosis. During mitosis, the DNA condenses into chromosomes, which are made of heterochromatin. It becomes more dense during prophase, and stays that way until the end of mitosis. Euchromatin is more lightly packed than heterochromatin.

Mitosis follows the following sequence: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, cytokinesis. Interphase refers to the time period between mitotic divisions. During interphase, most DNA is euchromatin, but some regions remain as heterochromatin to prevent unwanted transcription; thus DNA exists as both types of chromatin during interphase, but only as heterochromatin during mitosis. Matching euchromatin to telophase is the answer, as this is a false statement.

If nondisjunction occurs in Metaphase I, then one extra chromosome composed of two tetrads would go into one of the cells starting metaphase II while the other would have one less. This extra chromosome would then undergo the rest of meiosis normally, leaving an extra chromosome, composed of one tetrad in two of the daughter sperm. These are the two that are missing from the other daughter sperm.