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Which of the following is called a motile germ cell?
Male gamete
Female gamete
Embryo
Zygote
Male gamete
The male gamete (sperm) is referred to as a motile germ cell because it possesses the ability to move independently, typically using a flagellum, to reach the female gamete for fertilization. In contrast, the female gamete (ovum/egg) is non-motile and is designed to be stationary or passive.
The male gamete (sperm) is referred to as a motile germ cell because it possesses the ability to move independently, typically using a flagellum, to reach the female gamete for fertilization. In contrast, the female gamete (ovum/egg) is non-motile and is designed to be stationary or passive.
Think of the male gamete like a searcher or scout that travels to find a location, while the female gamete acts like a base or destination that waits for the visitor to arrive.
Mnemonic: 'Motile Male'тАФThe letter 'M' serves as a double reminder that the Male gamete is Motile.
n+n=2n тАФ Haploid male gamete (n) + haploid female gamete (n) forms a diploid zygote (2n).
The mobility of the male gamete is driven by biological structures such as flagella or cilia, which utilize energy generated via mitochondrial respiration to create mechanical movement. This movement is essential for the sperm to navigate through the female reproductive tract to encounter the non-motile female gamete. Once contact is made, the fusion of the two haploid cells results in the formation of a diploid zygote.
Male gametes are typically small, numerous, and motile.
Female gametes are typically larger, fewer, and non-motile (sessile).
Motility is often achieved via flagellar motion.
Fertilization requires the fusion of these two distinct types of germ cells.
Motility ensures the male gamete can actively search for the female gamete in internal fertilization environments.
High energy expenditure is required by the male gamete to maintain motility.
Sexual reproduction in animals
Pollen tube growth in flowering plants (male gametes move through the tube)
| Feature | Male Gamete | Female Gamete |
|---|---|---|
Mobility | Highly Motile | Non-motile |
Zygote (Option D) is the result of fertilization, not a germ cell itself.
Embryo (Option C) is the early developmental stage of a multicellular organism post-fertilization.
Female gamete (Option B) is essentially a stationary nutrient-rich cell.
A is correct тАФ The male gamete is defined as a motile germ cell because it contains mechanisms like flagella to travel toward the stationary female gamete.
Always remember that 'germ cells' refer to reproductive cells (gametes) that undergo meiosis to maintain chromosome numbers across generations.