Body Cells (Somatic Cells):
1. Location: Body cells, also known as somatic cells, are found throughout the body and make up the tissues and organs.
2. Chromosome Number: Somatic cells are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent (2n).
3. Function: Somatic cells perform various functions depending on their type. For example, muscle cells contract to facilitate movement, skin cells form protective barriers, and nerve cells transmit signals.
4. Reproduction: Somatic cells divide through mitosis, a process that results in two identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell.
5. Role in Sexual Reproduction: Somatic cells are not directly involved in sexual reproduction but are essential for the overall functioning and maintenance of the body.
Sex Cells (Germ Cells or Gametes):
1. Location: Sex cells, also known as germ cells or gametes, are specialized cells found in the reproductive organs: sperm in males and eggs (ova) in females.
2. Chromosome Number: Gametes are haploid, meaning they contain half the usual number of chromosomes (n) as compared to somatic cells. This ensures that when they combine during fertilization, the resulting zygote has a diploid chromosome number.
3. Function: The primary function of sex cells is to participate in sexual reproduction. Sperm cells carry genetic material from the male, while egg cells carry genetic material from the female, and they fuse during fertilization to form a zygote.
4. Reproduction: Gametes are produced through a specialized type of cell division called meiosis, which reduces the chromosome number by half. This process ensures genetic diversity in offspring.
5. Role in Sexual Reproduction: Sex cells play a central role in sexual reproduction by uniting during fertilization to create a new individual with a unique combination of genetic traits inherited from both parents.
In summary, body cells (somatic cells) make up the body's tissues and organs, are diploid, and are involved in various bodily functions. In contrast, sex cells (germ cells or gametes) are haploid, located in the reproductive organs, and their primary purpose is to facilitate sexual reproduction by fusing during fertilization to form a new individual.