11.5.4 How are reproductive cells made?

Last updated at July 3, 2026 by

💡 Halving for the future

Body cells carry 46 chromosomes, but a sperm or egg carries just 23 — so that when they join, the count is perfect again.

How are gametes made (gametogenesis)?
Gametogenesis the making of gametes by meiosis in the testes and ovaries; sperm and eggs carry 23 chromosomes. Males: many sperm; females: one egg
  • The formation of gametes is called gametogenesis ; it takes place in the testes and ovaries.
  • Gametes are formed by meiosis , so sperm and eggs carry only 23 chromosomes (body cells have 46).
  • In males it makes many tiny motile sperm ; in females it makes a single large egg .

Table 11.5: Structure, size, and number of male and female gametes

Feature Sperm Egg
Size Very small Large
Number produced Millions Few
Stored nutrients Absent Present
Motility Actively motile Non-motile
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