Sperm of Man

Definition
Sperm is the male reproductive cell and is derived from the Greek word (σπέρμα) sperma
(meaning "seed"). In the types of sexual reproduction known as anisogamy and its subtype
oogamy, there is a marked difference in the size of the gametes with the smaller one being
termed the "male" or sperm cell. A uniflagellar sperm cell that is motile is referred to as a
spermatozoon, whereas a non-motile sperm cell is referred to as a spermatium. Sperm cells
cannot divide and have a limited life span, but after fusion with egg cells during fertilization,
a new organism begins developing, starting as a totipotent zygote. The human sperm cell is
haploid, so that its 23 chromosomes can join the 23 chromosomes of the female egg to form a
diploid cell.

Sperm Function

A sperm has three main parts:

1. The head of the sperm contains the nucleus. The nucleus holds the DNA of the cell.
The head also contains enzymes that help the sperm break through the cell
membrane of an egg.

2. The midpiece of the sperm is packed

with mitochondria. Mitochondriaare organelles in cells that produce energy. Sperm
use the energy in the midpiece to move.

3. The tail of the sperm moves like a propeller, around and around. This tail is a long
flagella that pushes the sperm forward. A sperm can travel about 30 inches per hour.
This may not sound very fast, but don’t forget how small a sperm is. For its size, a
sperm moves about as fast as you do when you walk briskly.
Ovum Of Female (Egg Cell)

Definition

"Ova" redirects here. For other uses, see Ova (disambiguation).

Human egg cell

The egg cell, or ovum (plural ova), is the female reproductive cell (gamete)
in oogamous organisms. The egg cell is typically not capable of active movement, and it is
much larger (visible to the naked eye) than the motile sperm cells. When egg and sperm fuse,
a diploid cell (the zygote) is formed, which rapidly grows into a new organism.

Function

The function of the ovum is to carry the set of chromosomes contributed by the female and
create the right environment to enable fertilization by the sperm. Ova also provide nutrients
for the growing embryo until it sinks into the uterus and the placenta takes over.