Reproductive System

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Gamete Noun

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[gam-eet]

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Gamete

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A reproductive cell, such as a sperm or ovum, that unites with another to form a zygote.

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Example: This diagram shows the two types of gametes, sperm and egg, which are haploid (n). It illustrates how they combine to form a diploid (2n) fertilized egg.

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Haploid Noun

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[hap-loid]

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Haploid

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A cell having a single set of unpaired chromosomes, or only one chromosome of each type.

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Example: This diagram shows that a haploid cell (n) contains only one copy of each chromosome, unlike a diploid cell (2n) which has two copies.

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Diploid Noun

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[dip-loid]

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Diploid

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A cell containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

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Example: A diploid cell contains two complete sets of chromosomes (2n), with one set inherited from each parent, shown here as matching pairs.

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Fertilization Noun

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[fur-til-eye-zay-shun]

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Fertilization

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The process in which two gamete cells, such as a sperm and egg, unite to form a zygote.

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Example: This diagram shows a sperm cell combining with an egg cell, a process called fertilization, which results in the formation of a single cell called a zygote.

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Zygote Noun

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[zy-goat]

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Zygote

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A diploid cell resulting from the fusion of two haploid gametes; a fertilized ovum.

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Example: This diagram shows that when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell, they combine to form a single new cell called a zygote.

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Gonads Noun

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[go-nads]

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Gonads

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The primary reproductive organs that produce gametes; testes in males and ovaries in females.

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Example: The image displays the two types of gonads: the testis (male) and the ovary (female), which are the body's main reproductive organs.

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SRY gene Noun

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[ess-ar-why jeen]

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SRY gene

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The gene located on the Y chromosome that causes embryonic gonads to develop into testes.

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Example: The SRY gene, located on the Y chromosome, acts as a signal that causes the development of testes, the primary male reproductive organs.

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Testes Noun

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[tes-teez]

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Testes

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The male gonads, which produce sperm and the hormone testosterone.

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Example: This diagram shows the testes, the male reproductive glands, located within the scrotum, along with connected structures like the epididymis and vas deferens.

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Ovaries Noun

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[oh-vuh-reez]

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Ovaries

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The female gonads, which produce ova and the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

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Example: This diagram shows the ovaries, which produce eggs, as part of the female reproductive system, located on either side of the uterus.

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Testosterone Noun

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[tes-tos-ter-own]

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Testosterone

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The primary male sex hormone secreted by the testes, responsible for male sexual development.

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Example: This diagram shows that testosterone, a key hormone in males, is at its highest level around age 20 and then gradually decreases over a lifetime.