What are the differences between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical somatic (body) cells from a body cell, whereas meiosis produces 4 genetically different gametes from a germ line cell (gamete-producing cell). Both contain the phases of prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase, however crossing over of homologous chromosomes occurs in prophase 1 of meiosis (but not in mitosis). The chromosomes wrap around each other, forming points of contact called chiasmata, and swap regions to produce mosaics of maternal and paternal alleles. This, along with independent segregation of homologous chromosomes in meiosis 1, produces genetic variation that is not present in mitosis.