Which of the following are examples of gametes?

• A. Sperm and ovum
• B. Neurons
• C. Red blood cells
• D. Muscle fibers

Answer: (A)

Gametes are reproductive cells that carry genetic material to the next generation. In humans, the two examples are sperm cells and ova, which are haploid and contain one set of chromosomes (23). They’re produced by meiosis in the gonads and are designed to fuse during fertilization to form a zygote with the full diploid chromosome set. The other options aren’t gametes: neurons are nerve cells involved in signaling, red blood cells carry oxygen and in humans lack a nucleus, and muscle fibers are cells that make up muscle tissue. So the combination of sperm and ovum is what defines gametes.