IGCSE Biology 3 Views 1 Answers
Compare male and female gametes in terms of: size, structure, motility and numbers
Compare male and female gametes in terms of: size, structure, motility and numbers
Answer
Here’s a comparison of male and female gametes in terms of size, structure, motility, and numbers based on the provided search results:
Comparison of Male and Female Gametes
| Feature | Male Gametes (Sperm) | Female Gametes (Egg Cell) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Generally much smaller than female gametes; in humans, sperm are the smallest cells in the body. For example, a sperm cell is approximately 50 micrometers long. | Significantly larger; in humans, an egg cell is about 100 micrometers in diameter, making it one of the largest cells in the body. |
| Structure | Composed of a head (containing the nucleus), midpiece (packed with mitochondria for energy), and a tail (flagellum for motility). The head is conical, and the acrosome contains enzymes necessary for penetrating the egg’s outer layers. | Spherical shape with a large amount of cytoplasm, which contains nutrients for the developing embryo. The egg is surrounded by a jelly coat (zona pellucida) that protects it and facilitates fertilization. |
| Motility | Motile; sperm have a flagellum that propels them through the female reproductive tract, allowing them to swim toward the egg. | Non-motile; egg cells do not move on their own and rely on external factors (e.g., cilia in the oviduct) to be transported toward the uterus after ovulation. |
| Numbers | Produced in large quantities; males can produce millions of sperm per ejaculation (approximately 20 million to 150 million sperm per milliliter). | Produced in much smaller numbers; typically, only one egg is released during each menstrual cycle (ovulation), although several may be produced but only one matures fully. |
Summary
- Size: Male gametes (sperm) are significantly smaller than female gametes (egg cells).
- Structure: Sperm have a streamlined structure with specialized parts for motility and fertilization, while eggs are larger, nutrient-rich cells designed to support early development.
- Motility: Sperm are motile due to their flagellum, whereas eggs are non-motile.
- Numbers: Males produce sperm in vast quantities, while females typically release only one egg per cycle.
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