What are gametes?

Gametes are specialized cells involved in sexual reproduction, specifically the sperm and egg cells in animals. They are unique because they contain only one set of chromosomes, which is referred to as being haploid. This is crucial for sexual reproduction because when two gametes (one from each parent) fuse during fertilization, they create a zygote with the correct diploid number of chromosomes, restoring the full set.

Understanding the structure of gametes helps in comprehending various aspects of genetics and inheritance, distinguishing them from other cell types like body cells, which contain two sets of chromosomes and are termed diploid, and non-reproductive cells, which do not participate directly in the reproductive process. Cells that repair tissues, while vital for maintaining the body, do not have any role in the formation of new individuals and are not classified as gametes.