Final answer:
During anaphase I of meiosis I, the homologous chromosomes of a tetrad are separated and move to opposite poles of the cell, preparing to form two genetically diverse daughter cells. This contrasts with anaphase II, where sister chromatids are separated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anaphase stage of meiosis I is characterized by the separation of the two homologous chromosomes of a tetrad from each other and their migration to opposite poles of the cell. During this phase, spindle fibers attached to the chromosomes shorten, facilitating the movement of each homologous chromosome towards the cell poles.
This process ensures that each of the resulting daughter cells receives only one chromosome from each of the original homologous pairs, ultimately leading to genetic diversity.
Differences are seen when comparing anaphase I of meiosis I with anaphase II of meiosis II, where in the later, sister chromatids - not homologous chromosomes - are separated and pulled toward opposite poles of the cell.