Final answer:
In mitosis, anaphase separates sister chromatids, while anaphase I of meiosis separates homologous chromosomes, ensuring genetic diversity in sexual reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anaphase of mitosis separates sister chromatids, while anaphase I of meiosis separates homologous chromosomes.
In the context of cellular division, anaphase is the third stage of mitosis, during which the pairs of sister chromatids are separated from each other, forming individual chromosomes once again. These chromosomes are then pulled to opposite ends of the cell by their kinetochores, as the microtubules shorten. This ensures the two new daughter cells will contain identical genetic material.
Similarly, anaphase I is a stage in meiosis. However, unlike in mitosis, it is the homologous chromosomes that are separated and pulled to opposite poles of the dividing cell, not the sister chromatids. This reductional division results in two haploid cells that have one chromosome from each homologous pair.