Final answer:
In the metaphase of mitosis, sister chromatids line up along the metaphase plate, whereas in the metaphase of meiosis I, homologous chromosome pairs line up along the metaphase plate. Meiosis I aims to produce daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell, while mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the metaphase of mitosis, sister chromatids line up along the metaphase plate, whereas in the metaphase of meiosis I, homologous chromosome pairs line up along the metaphase plate.
In mitosis, the goal is to produce two genetically identical daughter cells, so sister chromatids line up to ensure each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the genetic material.
In meiosis I, the goal is to produce daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This is achieved by pairing up homologous chromosomes, which then line up along the metaphase plate for independent assortment and crossing over to occur.