Gametes are specialized cells that are involved in sexual reproduction. They are responsible for carrying the genetic information from one generation to the next.
In humans and many other organisms, there are two types of gametes: sperm and egg. Sperm are the male gametes, while eggs are the female gametes.
Gametes are formed through a process called meiosis. During meiosis, the number of chromosomes in the parent cell is halved, resulting in gametes that have only half the number of chromosomes compared to the parent cell. This is important for ensuring that when the gametes combine during fertilization, the resulting zygote has the correct number of chromosomes.
Gametes play a crucial role in sexual reproduction. During fertilization, a sperm cell and an egg cell combine to form a zygote. The zygote then develops into a new organism with a unique combination of genetic traits from both parents.