What is a gamete?

A gamete is defined as a specialized reproductive cell that is involved in sexual reproduction. In animals, gametes are typically sperm in males and eggs (ova) in females. These cells are haploid, meaning they contain half the number of chromosomes typical of somatic cells, which are diploid.

The primary role of gametes is to combine during fertilization to form a zygote, which then develops into a new organism. Due to their unique role in reproduction, gametes have distinct features that differentiate them from somatic cells. This understanding is fundamental in fields like genetics and reproductive biology, as it highlights the process of heredity and the formation of new life.