The chromatin fibers are condensed to form chromosomes at:

The correct answer is Option (1) → Metaphase

DNA is packed in stages. DNA wraps around histones to form nucleosomes, which look like beads on a string. This beads-on-string chromatin is packed into chromatin fibres. These fibres are coiled further and condensed at metaphase of cell division to form chromosomes.

(1) Metaphase — Correct. At metaphase the chromatin fibres are fully coiled and condensed. So the chromosomes are most compact and are seen best at this stage.

(2) Prophase — Incorrect. Condensation of chromatin only begins in prophase. The chromosomes become fully condensed later, at metaphase.

(3) Telophase — Incorrect. In telophase the opposite happens. The chromosomes uncoil and go back to the loose chromatin form.

(4) Anaphase — Incorrect. In anaphase the already condensed chromosomes split, and their chromatids move to opposite poles.

NCERT Extract:
Packaging of DNA Helix – …