Answer to Question #214541 in Genetics for moe

Question

2.5) Why does the arrangement of chromosomes differ in the metaphase stage of mitosis and meiosis?

Answer 1

In meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair with each other (i.e., they form tetrads) and crossing-over occurs. In mitosis, neither of these things occur. In metaphase I of meiosis, tetrads align on the metaphase plate. In metaphase of mitosis, individual chromosomes align there.