What is the term used to describe the appearance of mitotic cells in metaphase with no staining?

The correct answer identifies the appearance of mitotic cells in metaphase as "speckled." During metaphase, chromosomes are highly condensed and aligned in the center of the cell, making them visible under a microscope. When these cells are viewed without any staining, the condensed chromatin can appear as distinct, small, dark spots against a lighter background, giving a speckled appearance. This visual characteristic is essential for identifying the phase of mitosis and analyzing chromosomal abnormalities.

In contrast, the other terms do not accurately reflect the visual characteristics of mitotic cells in this context. "Clear" might suggest a transparent or featureless appearance, which doesn't align with the distinct presentation of chromosomes. "Opaque" implies a lack of transparency that wouldn't specifically describe mitotic cells and their visibility. "Granular" may suggest a texture or particulate nature that doesn't correspond to the sharp and defined look of chromosomes during metaphase. Thus, "speckled" is the most fitting term for this scenario, as it describes the unique visual patterns of the condensed chromosomes during this phase of division.