noun
- A gamete that is morphologically and functionally identical to another gamete with which it can fuse during sexual reproduction.
Usage: biology; technical
Examples
- In many algae species, isogametes of the same mating type cannot fuse with each other.
- The fusion of two isogametes produces a zygote with genetic material from both parents.
- Unlike eggs and sperm, isogametes show no obvious size or structural differences.
- Certain protists reproduce through the union of isogametes rather than specialized male and female cells.
- Isogametes are common in lower plants and some fungi.