Gametes - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

Published

Gametes are special cells used in sexual reproduction to create new life. In humans and many other animals, there are two types of gametes: sperm and egg cells. Sperm cells, which are usually smaller and mobile, are produced by males. Egg cells, which are larger and stationary, are produced by females. Both types of gametes have half the number of chromosomes compared to normal body cells, which means they are haploid. When a sperm and an egg cell join together during fertilisation, they combine their genetic material to form a complete set of chromosomes, creating a diploid fertilised egg called a zygote. This is the first step in developing a new organism.

Examiner-written GCSE Biology revision resources that improve your grades 2x

  • Written by expert teachers and examiners
  • Aligned to exam specifications
  • Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
GCSE Biology revision resources

Share this article

Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

The examiner written revision resources that improve your grades 2x.

Join now