16.4.4

Human Gametes - Egg Cells

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Egg Cell

The egg cell is fertilised by a sperm cell to become a zygote (which grows into an embryo). An egg cell is much larger than a sperm cell and it is specialised to support the zygote as it grows.

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Haploid nucleus

  • The nucleus contains half the genetic information needed for the new zygote.
  • The sperm cell provides the other half.
Illustrative background for CytoplasmIllustrative background for Cytoplasm ?? "content

Cytoplasm

  • The cell is large and contains lots of cytoplasm, which is packed full of nutrients that the zygote will need to grow.
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Jelly coat

  • The jelly coating around the cell is adapted to change structure once the egg is fertilised so that no more sperm can get into the egg cell.

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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