Definition

An adjective describing an organism that produces gametes containing only one type of sex chromosome, such as XX in females or YY in males.

Example

In many species, females are homogametic, producing eggs with the same type of sex chromosome.

Conversation

Did you know that some organisms are homogametic?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they produce gametes with only one type of sex chromosome.

Oh, that’s interesting! I didn’t know that about genetics.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Homogametic → It is formed from "homo-" (meaning same) and "gametes" (from Greek "gametēs", meaning spouse or mate). The term refers to organisms that have two of the same kind of sex chromosomes, thus having the same type of gametes.

Memory Tip

Think of 'same' ('homo-') and 'mate' ('gametes') to remember that 'homogametic' describes organisms with the same type of sex chromosomes.

Visually Confused Words