Sperm facts for kids
Sperm are tiny male cells that help create new life. Most animals and plants use sperm to reproduce. Even though they are made and released in different ways, the main idea is always the same: a sperm cell joins with a female egg cell to start a new living thing.
The word "sperm" comes from the Greek word sperma, which means seed.
Contents
What Are Sperm Cells?
Sperm cells are very small, often too tiny to see without a microscope. They are designed to move and find an egg.
How Animal Sperm Move
Animal sperm cells, including human sperm, have a special shape. They have a small 'head' and a long tail. This tail is called a flagellum. The flagellum works like a tiny motor. It helps the sperm cell swim through the female body to reach an egg.
Sperm in Plants
Plants also have sperm, but they don't always swim. In many plants, like flowering plants, sperm are carried inside pollen. The pollen then travels to the female part of the plant to fertilize the egg.
The Role of Sperm in Reproduction
Sperm's main job is to carry genetic information from the male parent. When a sperm cell meets and joins with an egg cell, it's called fertilization. This is the first step in creating a new organism.
From One Cell to Many
After fertilization, the single cell (sperm + egg) begins to divide. It makes more and more cells. These cells then grow and develop into a new baby animal or a new plant.
