Does sexual reproduction use sex cells (sperm and eggs)?

• A. Yes
• B. Sometimes
• C. Not sure
• D. No

Answer: (A)

Sexual reproduction relies on specialized reproductive cells called gametes. In many organisms, these are sperm and eggs, produced through meiosis to carry half the typical chromosome number. When a sperm fertilizes an egg, their genetic material combines to form a zygote, which then develops into a new individual. This fusion of genetic material from two parents is what defines sexual reproduction and brings genetic variation to offspring. That’s why the statement is true: sex cells are used in sexual reproduction. The idea of “sometimes” or uncertainty doesn’t fit the standard definition, since, when a process is sexual reproduction, it inherently involves gametes. (There are asexual modes in some species, but they don’t involve the fusion of gametes.)