Both sperm and egg cells contain DNA. However, they only contain half the usual number of chromosomes found in other cells in the body. This is because when sperm and egg cells combine during fertilization, they form a zygote with a complete set of chromosomes. Half of the zygote's DNA comes from the mother's egg and half comes from the father's sperm.
This process ensures that offspring inherit genetic information from both parents, contributing to their unique traits.
Key points to remember:
- Sperm and egg cells are specialized cells called gametes.
- They contain half the number of chromosomes compared to other cells.
- During fertilization, the sperm and egg combine, forming a complete set of chromosomes in the zygote.
- The zygote inherits half of its DNA from the mother's egg and half from the father's sperm.
