What are sex cells also known as?

Sex cells are known as gametes. These are specialized cells that are involved in reproduction. In humans and many other organisms, there are two types of gametes: sperm, which are produced by males, and eggs (or ova), which are produced by females. Gametes carry half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells, which are the body’s non-reproductive cells. When a sperm and an egg unite during fertilization, they form a zygote with a complete set of chromosomes, restoring the diploid number.

Understanding that gametes are distinct from other cell types is crucial. Somatic cells refer to all body cells except for the reproductive cells, while diploid cells contain two sets of chromosomes and typically refer to somatic cells. Stem cells are unique in their ability to differentiate into various cells in the body and are not specifically linked to reproduction like gametes are. Therefore, the term gametes is specifically applicable to sex cells in the context of reproduction.