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Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Somatic Cell and Egg Cell?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Somatic Cell and Egg Cell?

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The main difference between somatic cells and egg cells lies in their purpose, chromosome number, and cell division behavior. Here are the key differences:

  • Purpose: Somatic cells are the biological cells that contribute to the formation of the body of an organism, while egg cells are female sex cells that can fuse with male gametes to form a zygote, which can grow into a multicellular organism.
  • Chromosome Number: Somatic cells are diploid, containing two sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. Egg cells, also known as ova, are haploid, containing only one set of chromosomes.
  • Cell Division: Somatic cells undergo mitotic division, while egg cells do not show mitotic division once they are formed. They either fuse with male germ cells or are discarded.

Both somatic cells and egg cells are eukaryotic cells and are essential for living organisms. They also contain chromosomes, but the number of chromosomes and their role in reproduction differ significantly.

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  • What is the Difference Between Somatic Cell and Egg Cell?
  • Comparative Table: Somatic Cell vs Egg Cell

    • Comparative Table: Somatic Cell vs Egg Cell

    Here is a table comparing the differences between somatic cells and egg cells:

    Feature Somatic Cells Egg Cells
    Definition Somatic cells are any cells in the body except for egg and sperm cells. Egg cells, also known as ova or germ cells, are the female reproductive cells.
    Diploid or Haploid Somatic cells are diploid, containing two sets of chromosomes. Egg cells are haploid, containing only one set of chromosomes.
    Origin Somatic cells are produced by mitosis in asexual reproduction. Egg cells originate in the female's ovaries.
    Location Somatic cells are found throughout the body in various tissues, such as connective tissue, epithelial tissue, nerve tissue, and muscle tissue. Egg cells are located in the ovaries.
    Role Somatic cells help build and maintain the body and are not involved in sexual reproduction. Egg cells, along with sperm cells, are involved in sexual reproduction and can create a genetically unique offspring.
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.