Describe how microtubules and cohesion work together to align the chromosomes along the metaphase ...

Kinetochore microtubules are attached to the kinetochore at each centromere of sister chromatids. Because they are tethered to kinetochore microtubules from opposite centrosomes, the sister chromatids experience opposing forces that are critical to the positioning of chromosomes along an imaginary midline at the equator of the cell. This imaginary line is called the metaphase plate. The tension created by the pull of kinetochore microtubules is balanced by a companion process known as sister chromatid cohesion. Sister chromatid cohesion is produced by the protein cohesin that localizes between the sister chromatids and holds them together to resist the pull of kinetochore microtubules. As microtubules move chromosomes toward the midline of the cell, cohesin helps keep the sister chromatids together to ensure proper chromosome positioning and to prevent their premature separation.