germ cell

Thân thiện

A scientist examines a germ cell under a microscope.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A reproductive cell: A germ cell is a specialized cell that carries half the genetic material needed to form a new organism. It is responsible for transmitting DNA to the next generation through sexual reproduction.
   • A gamete: In biological terms, a germ cell is a spermatozoon (sperm cell) in males or an ovum (egg cell) in females.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The fusion of a male and a female germ cell is called fertilization.
  • Mutations in germ cells can be passed on to offspring.
  • Scientists study germ cell development to understand heredity.

Advanced Usage

• "Primordial germ cell": An early cell type in an embryo that will eventually give rise to mature germ cells (sperm or eggs).
  • The primordial germ cells migrate to the developing gonads.

Variants and Related Words

• Gamete (n): A mature haploid germ cell (sperm or ovum) ready for fusion.
  • The gametes unite to form a zygote.
• Germline (n): The sequence of germ cells that contain genetic material passed to offspring.
  • Germline mutations are inherited.

Synonyms

• Reproductive cell
• Sex cell
• Gamete

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Somatic cell: Any cell of a living organism other than a germ cell.
  • Unlike germ cells, somatic cells are not involved in reproduction.
• Zygote: The cell formed by the union of two germ cells.
  • The zygote divides to form an embryo.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a spermatozoon or an ovum; a cell responsible for transmitting DNA to the next generation

Từ đồng nghĩa

• reproductive cell
• sex cell