Question

Compare and contrast a human somatic cell to a human gamete.

Short answer

Answer: Human somatic cells have a typical cell structure and are diploid (46 chromosomes), while human gametes have a specialized structure and are haploid (23 chromosomes). Somatic cells reproduce via mitosis, resulting in identical daughter cells, whereas gametes reproduce via meiosis, forming non-identical haploid cells.

Step-by-step solution

1. Define human somatic cells and human gametes

Human somatic cells are the body cells that make up the tissues and organs of an organism. These cells perform various functions depending on the type (e.g., skin cells, blood cells, muscle cells). On the other hand, human gametes are the reproductive cells that are involved in sexual reproduction. They are of two types: sperm cells (male gametes) and egg cells (female gametes).

2. Compare and contrast the structure and function of human somatic cells and human gametes

Human somatic cells have a typical cell structure, which includes a nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane. They perform various functions depending on their type and location in the body (e.g., protection, transportation, contraction). Human gametes, however, have a specialized structure to perform their reproductive function. The sperm cell has a tail (flagellum), mitochondria in the midpiece, and a head containing genetic material. The egg cell has a larger size, a nutrient-rich cytoplasm, and a cell membrane with a protective layer called the zona pellucida.

3. Describe the reproduction process of human somatic cells and human gametes

Human somatic cells reproduce via a process called mitosis. In mitosis, a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells, each containing the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This process is essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues. Human gametes, on the other hand, reproduce via a process called meiosis. Meiosis is a two-step process that involves the formation of four non-identical haploid cells (gametes) with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This reduction in chromosome number ensures that the offspring produced during fertilization will have the correct (diploid) number of chromosomes.

4. Explain the difference in genetic material between human somatic cells and human gametes

Human somatic cells are diploid, meaning that they have two sets of chromosomes (46 in total), one set from each parent. These chromosomes contain the genetic material that determines an individual's traits. In contrast, human gametes are haploid, containing only one set of chromosomes (23 in total). During sexual reproduction, the sperm cell (haploid) and the egg cell (haploid) combine their genetic material during fertilization to form a new individual (diploid) with the correct number of chromosomes.