Final answer:
True, metaphase serves as a critical checkpoint in mitosis that ensures chromosomes are correctly aligned and attached to spindle fibers before the cell divides.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, metaphase represents a kind of checkpoint in mitosis to make sure that all chromosomes are where they should be before division proceeds. The M checkpoint, also known as the spindle checkpoint, occurs near the end of the metaphase stage of mitosis. It is critical as it determines whether all of the sister chromatids are correctly attached to the spindle microtubules. Because the process of splitting the sister chromatids during anaphase is irreversible, mitosis will not proceed until every kinetochore of the chromatids are securely attached to spindle fibers coming from both poles of the cell. This checkpoint ensures that each new cell will receive the correct number of chromosomes.