Human Gametes - Egg Cells
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 16.4.4
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.
Haploid nucleus
- The nucleus contains half the genetic information needed for the new zygote.
- The sperm cell provides the other half.
Cytoplasm
- The cell is large and contains lots of cytoplasm, which is packed full of nutrients that the zygote will need to grow.
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.
Test yourself on Human Gametes - Egg Cells
What do sperm and egg cells have in common?