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SouravNovember 15, 2024

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

Sourav
SouravNovember 15, 2024

Answered step-by-step

Here’s a comparison of male and female gametes in terms of sizestructuremotility, 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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