Gamete facts for kids

A gamete is a special cell that joins with another gamete during fertilization (when a new life begins). This happens in living things that reproduce sexually. Gametes are made by special cells called germ cells.

In species where there are two different kinds of gametes, and each individual makes only one kind, a female is the one who makes the larger gamete. This larger cell is called an ovum (or egg). A male makes the smaller gamete, which is called a spermatozoon (or sperm cell).

The name "gamete" was first used by an Austrian scientist named Gregor Mendel.

How Gametes Are Made (Gametogenesis)

Gametogenesis is the process where germ cells develop into eggs or sperm. Germ cells normally have two sets of chromosomes (they are diploid), but eggs and sperm only have one set (they are haploid). The process of making eggs is called oogenesis, and making sperm is called spermatogenesis.

Even though gametogenesis is a bit different for each type of living thing, the main steps are similar. Making eggs and making sperm share many features:

• They both involve a special type of cell division called Meiosis.
• The cells change a lot in their shape and structure (this is called cell differentiation).
• They cannot survive for very long if they don't join with another gamete.

However, there are also big differences, especially in how long it takes for them to mature:

• Egg development (oogenesis) can pause for a long time at one or more stages.
• Sperm development (spermatogenesis) is usually fast and doesn't stop once it starts.