Video Transcript
What are the characteristics of
female gametes? (A) They are produced in large
numbers, they are small in size, and they have food stores. (B) They are produced in small
numbers, they are large in size, and they have food stores. (C) They are produced in small
numbers, they are small in size, and they are motile. (D) They are produced in large
numbers, they are large in size, and they have food stores. (E) They are produced in large
numbers, they are small in size, and they are motile.
In multicellular, complex
organisms, the production of gametes, or sex cells, is required for sexual
reproduction. Let’s compare male and female
gametes so we can choose the best answer. But first, let’s remove these
answer choices to have more room to work with.
Male gametes, or sperm, are
generally produced in large numbers, are small, and have a tail that gives them
motility to swim toward the female gamete. The female gamete, also called an
egg or ova, is generally produced in small quantities, is large in size and contains
food stores for the developing embryo, and is nonmotile.
Therefore, the characteristics of
female gametes is given by answer choice (B). They are produced in small numbers,
they are large in size, and they have food stores.
