IGCSE Biology glossary
Gamete
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Definition
A sex cell (reproductive cell) that is haploid, containing half the number of chromosomes of a normal body cell. In humans, the male gamete is the sperm cell and the female gamete is the egg cell (ovum). Gametes are produced by meiosis.
What to include in an exam answer
Gametes are HAPLOID (23 chromosomes in humans). When two gametes fuse at fertilisation, the diploid number (46) is restored. State that gametes are produced by meiosis, not mitosis.
Example in context
Explain why gametes must be haploid (2 marks): Gametes must be haploid so that when two gametes fuse at fertilisation, the normal diploid chromosome number is restored in the zygote. Otherwise the chromosome number would double with each generation.
Related syllabus topic
Reproduction