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Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Somatic Cells and Gametes?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Somatic Cells and Gametes?

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The main difference between somatic cells and gametes lies in their function, chromosome number, and involvement in reproduction. Here are the key differences:

  1. Function:
  • Somatic cells are regular body cells that are not involved in sexual reproduction. They contain DNA but do not pass this DNA to offspring.
  • Gametes are egg and sperm cells that contain DNA that can be passed to offspring.
  1. Chromosome Number:
  • Somatic cells contain 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) and are diploid.
  • Gametes contain 23 chromosomes and are haploid.
  1. Involvement in Reproduction:
  • Somatic cells are not involved in sexual reproduction and do not contribute to the genetic makeup of offspring.
  • Gametes are involved in sexual reproduction and contribute half of the genetic makeup of offspring through the combination of sperm and egg cells.

In summary, somatic cells are regular body cells that do not contribute to the genetic makeup of offspring, while gametes are egg and sperm cells that contain DNA that can be passed to offspring and are involved in sexual reproduction.

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  • What is the Difference Between Somatic Cells and Gametes?
  • Comparative Table: Somatic Cells vs Gametes

    • Comparative Table: Somatic Cells vs Gametes

    Here is a table comparing the differences between somatic cells (also known as body cells) and gametes:

    Feature Somatic Cells Gametes
    Definition Somatic cells are any cells in the body, except for egg and sperm cells. They are diploid and contain two sets of chromosomes. Gametes are the egg and sperm cells that combine during sexual reproduction.
    Origin Somatic cells are produced by mitosis in asexual reproduction. Gametes are produced in the gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females) through a process called gametogenesis.
    Chromosomes Somatic cells contain two sets (23 pairs) of chromosomes, inherited one each from each parent. Gametes contain a single set of 23 chromosomes.
    Genome Somatic cells have a diploid genome, meaning they contain two copies of each chromosome. Gametes have a haploid genome, meaning they contain a single copy of each chromosome.
    Function Somatic cells make up most of the body and perform various functions, such as connective tissue, epithelial tissue, nerve tissue, and muscle tissue. Gametes' main function is to combine with other gametes during sexual reproduction, providing genetic information to 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.