Germ Cells: An Overview
Germ cells are a type of cell that have the potential to develop into a mature, functional organism. These cells are found in many different organisms, including humans, animals, and plants. Germ cells are responsible for the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next and are considered to be the most important cells in the life cycle of an organism.
Types of Germ Cells
There are two main types of germ cells: gametes and somatic cells.
Gametes are reproductive cells found in both male and female organisms. In humans, gametes are sperm and eggs. Gametes have half the number of chromosomes as other cells in the body and are responsible for the fertilization process.
Somatic Cells are any other type of cell that is not a gamete. These cells make up the majority of the body's cells and are responsible for a variety of functions, including providing structure, energy, and protection. In humans, somatic cells are typically found in the skin, muscles, organs, and other tissues.