GERM CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A germ cell refers to a specialized type of cell that is responsible for the production of gametes (sex cells) in organisms that reproduce sexually. These cells play a critical role in passing on genetic material from one generation to the next.
Germ cells can be found in both males and females and are involved in the formation of sperm cells in males and egg cells in females. These cells possess the unique ability to undergo a process called meiosis, which is responsible for reducing the number of chromosomes in half, ensuring that the resulting gametes contain only one set of chromosomes. This is essential for maintaining the correct number of chromosomes in offspring during sexual reproduction.
Germ cells are derived from primordial germ cells (PGCs), which originate early in development and migrate to the appropriate locations in the body where they differentiate into either sperm or egg cells. In males, PGCs migrate to the developing testes, while in females, they migrate to the developing ovaries.
Throughout an individual's lifetime, germ cells remain relatively quiescent until puberty, at which point they begin to divide and undergo meiosis to produce mature gametes capable of fertilization. The resulting sperm or egg cells, containing half the number of chromosomes compared to other body cells, combine during fertilization to form a complete set of chromosomes and give rise to the next generation.
Overall, germ cells are fundamental in the perpetuation of a species, as they preserve and transmit genetic information from one generation to the next.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GERM CELL
- ferm cell
- verm cell
- berm cell
- herm cell
- yerm cell
- term cell
- gwrm cell
- gsrm cell
- gdrm cell
- grrm cell
- g4rm cell
- g3rm cell
- geem cell
- gedm cell
- gefm cell
- getm cell
- ge5m cell
- ge4m cell
- gern cell
- germcell
Etymology of GERM CELL
The word "germ cell" originates from the German word "Keimzelle". "Keim" means seed or bud, while "Zelle" translates to cell. In the field of biology, "germ cell" refers to a reproductive cell, such as a sperm or egg, which contains the genetic material necessary for reproduction. The term was first introduced by German biologist August Weismann in the late 19th century.
Similar spelling words for GERM CELL
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