Sexual reproduction is a type of reproduction that occurs when two gametes, a sperm and an egg, join. Thus, sexual reproduction requires a male and a female.
Gametes are formed during a form of cellular division called meiosis. During meiosis, the genetic material within a diploid single parent cell replicates once. However, the parent cell undergoes two rounds of cellular division. Thus, the genetic material is split in half two times. As a result,...
Sexual reproduction is a type of reproduction that occurs when two gametes, a sperm and an egg, join. Thus, sexual reproduction requires a male and a female.
Gametes are formed during a form of cellular division called meiosis. During meiosis, the genetic material within a diploid single parent cell replicates once. However, the parent cell undergoes two rounds of cellular division. Thus, the genetic material is split in half two times. As a result, four haploid gametes are created at the end of meiosis. A male gamete is called a sperm. A female gamete is called an egg.
Fertilization is a stage of sexual reproduction. During fertilization, a sperm and an egg combine to create a zygote. The fact that gametes are haploid ensures that the number of chromosomes that is unique to a species is maintained generation after generation. For example, a human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes. Each gamete of a human contains 23 chromosomes. Thus, upon fertilization, the diploid number of 46 chromosomes is restored.
In this way, the offspring produced via sexual reproduction will contain a mixture of genetic material from both parents. Therefore, the offspring will also display a mixture of each parent's physical characteristics.
Here is a short video about sexual reproduction:
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