Which term describes a specialized cell involved in sexual reproduction?

Which term describes a specialized cell involved in sexual reproduction?

• A. Gamete
• B. Karyotype
• C. Gene Mutation
• D. Homozygous

Answer: (A)

A specialized cell involved in sexual reproduction is called a gamete. Gametes, such as sperm and eggs, carry only one set of chromosomes, half the total, so that when they unite during fertilization the offspring regain a full diploid chromosome set. This haploid state is produced by meiosis and helps create genetic variation in offspring. The other terms describe different ideas: a karyotype is a chart of chromosomes, used to study number and structure rather than a cell type; a gene mutation is a change in the DNA sequence; and homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a gene, which is about genetic makeup rather than a cell type.

A specialized cell involved in sexual reproduction is called a gamete. Gametes, such as sperm and eggs, carry only one set of chromosomes, half the total, so that when they unite during fertilization the offspring regain a full diploid chromosome set. This haploid state is produced by meiosis and helps create genetic variation in offspring. The other terms describe different ideas: a karyotype is a chart of chromosomes, used to study number and structure rather than a cell type; a gene mutation is a change in the DNA sequence; and homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a gene, which is about genetic makeup rather than a cell type.