A sperm cell,
or spermatozoon (pl. spermatozoa), is a
mature
male sex cell (or male
gamete)
formed by
mitosis: It is the smaller
gamete in a
heterogamous reproduction system, while the larger
gamete is
produced by the
female.
It is a
haploid
cell that is capable of
fertilising an
ovum (egg cell) to form a
zygote. A
zygote can grow into an
embryo
and then in a new
organism.
Sperm cells contain half of the
genetic material needed to create
life.
If sperm contacts an egg after intercourse, fertilization can
occur.
The sperm supplies the paternal genetic material.
