Distinguish between a gamete and zygote. Explain their roles in sexual reproduction.
Gamete is formed as a result of meiosis in gametogenetic cells. Zygote is formed after fusion two different kinds of gametes. Different types of gametes are formed by different parents. Zygote is formed in the female reproductive part only.
Role of gamete in sexual reproduction: Gamete formation results in halving of number of chromosomes which is necessary to maintain the number of chromosomes in an organism which reproduces sexually.
Role of zygote in sexual reproduction: Zygote formation makes the number of chromosome equal to the somatic cells. Further, it is the zygote which undergoes mitosis to develop into an embryo and subsequently into a new individual.
