What are gametes?

Gametes are specialized reproductive cells that are essential for sexual reproduction. In humans, male gametes are known as sperm, and female gametes are referred to as ova (or eggs). These cells are haploid, meaning they contain half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells. When a sperm fertilizes an ovum, they combine their genetic material to form a diploid zygote, which then develops into a new organism.

Understanding the role of gametes is crucial in the context of human reproduction, as they are the means by which genetic information is passed from parents to offspring. This process not only contributes to genetic diversity but also facilitates the continuation of species. The other options refer to different biological functions and cell types: hormones are chemical messengers in the body, immune cells play a role in defending the body against pathogens, and tissue cells are involved in the formation and maintenance of body structures, none of which pertain to the specific function of gametes.