Gametes
Gametes
Gametes (/ɡæˈmiːts/; from Ancient Greek γαμετής gametes "husband" and γαμετή gamete "wife") are the reproductive cells or sex cells that combine during sexual reproduction to form a new organism, known as a zygote. In species that produce two morphologically distinct types of gametes, and in which each individual produces only one type, a male individual produces spermatozoa and a female individual produces ova (eggs).
Etymology
The term "gamete" originates from the Ancient Greek word γαμετής (gametes) meaning "husband" and γαμετή (gamete) meaning "wife". This reflects the biological process where the male and female gametes combine to create a new organism.
Types of Gametes
There are two main types of gametes:
- Spermatozoa - These are the male gametes in animals. They are small and motile, and their primary function is to reach and fertilize the female gamete.
- Ova - These are the female gametes in animals. They are large and non-motile, and their primary function is to provide the necessary nutrients and cellular machinery for the development of the new organism after fertilization.
Related Terms
- Zygote - A zygote is the cell that forms by the union of an egg cell and a sperm cell. It contains all the genetic information necessary to form a new individual.
- Meiosis - Meiosis is the process by which gametes are produced in the body. It involves two successive cell divisions that result in cells with half the number of chromosomes of the original cell.
- Fertilization - Fertilization is the process by which two gametes combine to form a zygote.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gametes
- Wikipedia's article - Gametes
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