Anaphase I is a stage in the process of meiosis, which is the type of cell division that produces gametes, such as sperm and eggs. During this phase, the homologous chromosomes, which are pairs of similar chromosomes inherited from each parent, are pulled apart and moved to opposite poles of the cell. This separation ensures that each new cell will receive one chromosome from each pair. As the homologous chromosomes are separated, the sister chromatids, which are identical copies of each chromosome, remain attached at their centromeres. This is a key difference from mitosis, where sister chromatids are separated during anaphase. Anaphase I is crucial for genetic diversity, as it allows for the random assortment of chromosomes into gametes.