4.1.3

Gamete vs Zygote

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Gametes and Zygotes

During sexual reproduction, gamete nuclei fuse to form a zygote. There is an important difference between the nuclei of these types of cell.

Illustrative background for Gamete nucleiIllustrative background for Gamete nuclei ?? "content

Gamete nuclei

  • Gamete nuclei are haploid.
  • This means they contain half the number of chromosomes found in a normal cell.
  • This is because they contain one complete set of chromosomes.
Illustrative background for Zygote nucleiIllustrative background for Zygote nuclei ?? "content

Zygote nuclei

  • Zygote nuclei are diploid.
  • This means they contain two complete sets of chromosomes.
  • This is because they have one set of chromosomes from each parent.
  • In humans, each diploid cell has 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Jump to other topics

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

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