In metaphase 1 of meiosis, the homologous chromosomes line up side by side along the equator so that (a) crossing-over (exchange of DNA regions) can occur between the homologous pairs and (b) the homologous chromosomes can be pulled to opposite poles during anaphase 1. In mitosis, by contrast, homologous chromosomes line up single-file along the equator. What benefits are derived from these two different ways that homologous chromosomes are positioned at metaphase in meiosis and mitosis? Solution The equatorial arrangement of chromosomes make the cell divisions to occur more symmetrically. This chromosomal alignment is the keyspot of metazoan cell divisions. The spindle fibers in both mitosis and meiosis relocate the metaphase plates if they are not properly arranged. Homologous chromosomes functions differently in both mitosis and meiosis. The homologous chromosomes in mitosis do not pair with eachother like they do in meiosis. They line up independently at the equatorial plate whereas in meiosis they occur in pairs. The chances of chromosomes to cross one another by mitotic recombination is very rare..