Final answer:
Meiosis features unique events such as homologous chromosome pairing with synapsis during prophase I, crossing-over for genetic variation, and the alignment of chromosome tetrads at the metaphase plate in metaphase I, distinguishing it from mitosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Three Events Unique to Meiosis
Meiosis is unique compared to mitosis in several ways, specifically during meiosis I. Firstly, during prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair up and form a synaptonemal complex in a process called synapsis. This pairing does not occur in mitosis. Secondly, crossing-over between homologous chromosomes occurs, where genetic material is exchanged, creating genetic variation. This event is another feature not seen in mitosis. Finally, in metaphase I, the paired homologous chromosomes, known as tetrads, align at the metaphase plate with kinetochore fibers from opposite poles attached to each homolog, which is different from metaphase in mitosis where individual chromosomes line up.
Comparison with Mitosis
Mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells and maintains the chromosome number of the original cell, whereas meiosis leads to four genetically unique daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes, increasing genetic diversity.