What is a gamete?
a cell used for reproduction that contains the diploid number of chromosomes
a cell used to protect the internal parts of the body that contains the diploid number of chromosomes
a cell used for reproduction that contains the haploid number of chromosomes
a cell from a zygote with the diploid number of chromosomes
The correct answer is: a cell used for reproduction that contains the haploid number of chromosomes.
To arrive at this answer, let's break down the options:
- Option 1: A cell used for reproduction that contains the diploid number of chromosomes. This is incorrect because gametes contain the haploid number of chromosomes, not the diploid number.
- Option 2: A cell used to protect the internal parts of the body that contains the diploid number of chromosomes. This is incorrect because gametes are not used for protection; they are primarily involved in reproduction.
- Option 3: A cell used for reproduction that contains the haploid number of chromosomes. This is the correct answer. Gametes are specialized cells involved in sexual reproduction and contain half the number of chromosomes (haploid) as compared to regular body cells (diploid).
- Option 4: A cell from a zygote with the diploid number of chromosomes. This is incorrect because gametes are not derived from a zygote but instead fuse during fertilization to form a zygote.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 3: a cell used for reproduction that contains the haploid number of chromosomes.