Sexual reproduction
Most animals carry out sexual reproduction.
Sexual reproduction involves the joining of two sex cells (gametes) – the sperm (male gamete) and the egg/ovum (female gamete).
The male and female reproductive systems
The male The organs and tissues involved in producing offspring. makes The male sex cell or gamete. and delivers it into the female reproductive system.
Sperm are specialised cells highly adapted for their function.
Their adaptations include:
- A tail – called a flagellum – allowing it to swim through the female reproductive system.
- A A cell that contains half the normal number of chromosomes. nucleus – containing half the normal number of The structure made of DNA that codes for all the characteristics of an organism..
- Many The site of cell respiration. to produce energy
The female reproductive system makes and releases eggs/ova. It also protects and nourishes the An unborn baby. Usually eight weeks after conception. from fertilisation until birth.