Definition

A type of reproductive cell that contains half the usual number of chromosomes and can combine with another reproductive cell from the opposite sex to create a new organism.

Example

In sexual reproduction, a sperm cell is a male gamete that fuses with a female egg gamete.

Conversation

Did you know that a gamete is a type of reproductive cell?

Really? I had no idea what that meant before.

Yeah, it's fascinating how they fuse to create new life.

I guess biology is full of surprises like that!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gamete → It is derived from the Greek word "gametēs" (meaning spouse or husband) and the suffix "-ete" (used in biology to denote a type of cell). The term "gamete" refers to a reproductive cell that unites with another to form a new organism, essentially a 'spouse' in the biological sense of reproduction.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for 'spouse' when remembering that a gamete is a reproductive cell that joins with another to create new life.

Visually Confused Words