Comparison between Male and Female Gametes

  Egg Cells Sperm Cells

Anatomy The egg cells have a nucleus that A sperm cell consists of a head, a
is surrounded by cytoplasm, mid-piece and a tail. The head
which is guarded by the zona contains the nucleus with
pellucid and the follicular cells. densely coiled chromatin fibers,
surrounded anteriorly by an
acrosome, which contains
enzymes used for penetrating the
female egg. The mid-piece has a
central filamentous core with
many mitochondria spiraled
around it, used for ATP
production for the journey
through the female cervix, uterus
and uterine tubes. The tail or
"flagellum" executes the lashing
movements that propel the
spermatocyte.

Produced in Egg cells are produced in the Sperm cells are produced in the
ovary of a female human being. testicles of a male human being.

Size Larger compared to sperm cells. It is very small in size compared

Approximately 0.15 to 0.2mm in to egg cells. It is also considered
size. as the smallest cell in the body.

Appearance The egg cell is one of the largest The sperm has an oval head on
human cells in the body. It is the top and has a rigid middle
round in shape and has the with a slimly tail in the back to
largest volume in relation to the allow it to swim. It is straight in
surface. The cell consists of a shape.
large amount of cytoplasm in
which the nucleus dissolves until
just before conception.

Shape Round, oval or a circle. Straight.

Produce in numbers Only a single egg cell is Millions of cells are released
produced during once during a single ejaculation.
menstruation cycle.

Temperature Requires warm body temperatureRequires approximately two

for sustenance. degrees lesser than the body
temperature for sustenance.

Time of formation Egg cells are usually formed in a Sperm cells form during puberty.
female before birth.
Life-span Egg cells have a short life span. Sperm cells have a longer life
If an egg cell is not fertilized 12 span. Once ejaculated in the
to 24 hours after its release from female womb they can survive
the ovary, it will dissolve. for 3-5 days.

Production till Egg cells form before birth and Sperm cells start being produced
are active only till menopause. from the body from puberty till
death.

Storability Cannot be stored. Can be frozen and stored.

Metabolism Active. Less active.

Mobility Egg cells contain cytoplasm,
which allows them to be active
internally. After the nucleus is
released from the follicular cell,
it becomes less mobile.
Sperm cells are active and
externally mobile. They use their
tails to swim against the stream
of fluid in the oviduct to the
fallopian tube.

Image Courtesy: creationofman.net, theultimateanatomy.xtgem.com