Difference Between Body cells and Gametes

Body cells vs Gametes

A cell is the basic building block of any kind of living organism. Any form of life on Earth, as well as human beings, is made up of cells. “Cell” comes from the Latin cella which means “a small room” and was first discovered by the biologist named Robert Hooke. A cell is considered the smallest component of every form of life. Some organisms like bacteria are composed of only a single cell while bigger forms of life, like humans, are considered multicellular. Plants and animals are composed of millions of different kinds of cells, and every kind has its own specialized function. However, in some kinds of organisms, such as algae, they are formed of many cells but of the same kind. Since cells are diversified in many ways, cells fall into a variety of categories. Cells can be classified as either gametes or body cells. Gamete cells and body cells are abundant and commonly found in animal and human bodies. Like any other cells, both of these cell types have their own unique characteristics that differentiate them from one another.

Each cell in the body has its own distinct purpose. First of all, a body cell, also called a somatic cell, is the one that comprises the body of any multicellular organism. On the other hand, a gamete is a sex cell that can either be a sperm or an egg cell.

Cells, like any other living unit of the body, eventually die out in the process. To preserve the life of its served organism, newer sets of cells must be reproduced to replace the old and dying ones. The cells go through a process of reproduction called cell division. There are two types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Body cells undergo the process of mitosis. Mitosis is the process of cell division wherein the parent cell divides to create identical daughter cells which have the equal number of chromosomes as the parent does. Thus, a body cell contains a complete number of chromosomes and is called a diploid cell. On the other hand, gametes undergo a process called meiosis. Meiosis is the process of cell division wherein the parent cell divides its chromosomes into two sets and gives rise to germ cells. Thus, a gamete contains only half the number of chromosomes of its parent cell, and it is called a haploid cell.

Furthermore, in the process of reproduction, the union of two haploid cells (sperm and egg cells) unite during fertilization to form a zygote. Moreover, most of the body cells are in the diploid state and are later on transformed into the haploid state in gametes or sex cells.

Tiny as they may be, cells do play a role in maintaining the life processes of any living organism. More importantly, cells such as the gametes play a vital part in the reproduction of another life existence. Either as a body cell or gamete, each cell in the body preserves homeostasis in order to face life’s toughest challenges.

SUMMARY:

1.Body cells make up the body of any multicellular organism. On the other hand, a gamete is a sex cell that can either be a sperm or egg cell.

2.Body cells undergo the process of mitosis while gametes undergo a process called meiosis.

3.A body cell contains a complete number of chromosomes and is called a diploid cell while a gamete contains only half the number of chromosomes of its parent cell, and it is called a haploid cell.

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