What is a gamete?

A gamete is indeed a sex cell that is formed during the process of meiosis, specifically during telophase II, where the process results in the division of the cell into four unique cells. Each of these cells is a haploid, meaning it carries only one set of chromosomes, which is essential for sexual reproduction. When two gametes (one from each parent) unite during fertilization, they form a zygote, restoring the diploid number of chromosomes.

The formation of gametes, which include sperm in males and eggs in females, is critical for the continuation of species through sexual reproduction. This distinguishes them from regular body cells that undergo mitosis, which is a process for growth and repair rather than reproduction. Understanding this distinction is vital in the broader context of biological sciences and reproductive health.