What is the difference between Mitotic Metaphase and Meiotic Metaphase I?

Mitotic Metaphase:

1. Single chromosomes with two chromatids each, line up on the metaphase plate.

2. Centromeres of the chromosomes lie on equator of spindle and chromatids extend freely (auto-orientation).

3. Here each centromere possesses two kinetochores on both lateral sides, thus attached with spindle fibres extended from both the poles.

4. Both the chromatids of each chromosome are genetically identical.

Meiotic metaphase:

1. Paired chromosomes (bivalents) with four chromatids in each pair line up .

2. Arms of paired chromosomes lie on spindle equator and centromeres directed towards poles (court-orientation).

3. Here the centromere possesses only one kinetochore on the side facing to pole, thus attached with spindle fibres extended from one pole.

4. Four chromatids of the bivalent are genetically dissimilar due to crossing over.