Gametes

Gametes are specialized reproductive cells—sperm in males and eggs in females—that carry half the genetic information needed to form a new organism. During fertilization, a sperm and an egg combine, merging their genetic material to create a unique individual. This process ensures genetic diversity within a species. Gametes are produced through a process called meiosis, which reduces their chromosome number by half, preparing them for successful union during reproduction. They are essential for sexual reproduction and the continuation of genetic traits across generations.