Gamete

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Gamete

Gamete (/ɡəˈmiːt/; from Ancient Greek: γαμετή gamete from gamein "to marry") is a mature haploid reproductive cell that unites with another of the opposite sex in sexual reproduction to form a zygote.

Etymology

The term "gamete" originates from the Ancient Greek word γαμετή (gamete) which means "wife," and γαμετής (gametes) which means "husband." The word was first used in the biological sense by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century.

Definition

In most organisms, including humans, gametes are produced by a process called meiosis. In this process, a diploid cell (a cell with two sets of chromosomes) divides to produce four haploid cells. These haploid cells are the gametes.

There are two types of gametes:

  • Sperm - Male gametes produced in the testes of males.
  • Ovum or Egg cell - Female gametes produced in the ovaries of females.

Related Terms

  • Meiosis - The process by which gametes are produced.
  • Zygote - The cell formed when two gametes unite.
  • Fertilization - The process of uniting two gametes.
  • Haploid - A cell with a single set of chromosomes, like a gamete.
  • Diploid - A cell with two sets of chromosomes, from which gametes are derived.

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