Distinguish between a gamete and zygote. Explain their roles in sexual reproduction.
Gamete:
(i) It is germ cell that takes part in fertilisation.
(ii) There are two types of gametes male and female.
(iii) A gamete has haploid or In chromosome number.
(iv) A gamete carries characteristics of only one parent.
(v) Gamete is the last cell of its generation.
Zygote:
(i) It is a product of fertilisation.
(ii) Zygote is of one type.
(iii) Zygote has diploid or 2n chromosome number.
(iv) It carries characteristics of both the parents.
(v) It is the first cell of new generation.
Role of Gamete in sexual reproduction:
Gamete is the sex or germ cell specialised to take part in sexual reproduction.
Fusion of male gamete with a female gamete produces a zygote.
Role of Zygote in sexual reproduction:
Zygote develops into embryo that later forms the new individual.