Gametes and fertilisation in sexual reproduction
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the role of gametes and fertilisation in sexual reproduction.
Key learning points
- Sperm and egg cells are the sex cells of humans and are called gametes.
- Humans reproduce through sexual reproduction where half the genetic material of the offspring comes from each parent.
- Fertilisation occurs in the fallopian tubes when gametes join to form a zygote.
- Each gamete carries half the genetic material of the parent; a zygote has a full set of genetic material.
- The zygote divides to form a ball of cells called an embryo, which grows to form a foetus and then a baby.
Keywords
Gametes - The sex cells in humans, which are egg and sperm cells.
Sperm cell - The male gamete.
Egg cell - The female gamete.
Fertilisation - Occurs when a sperm and egg cell fuse together to form a zygote.
Embryo - Formed when a zygote divides to form a ball of cells.
Common misconception
Fertilisation occurs in the uterus and can happen at any time.
Fertilisation occurs in the fallopian tubes and this can only happen before the egg cell reaches the uterus.
Teacher tip
Ensure pupils understand that each gamete only carries half the genetic material of the parent, so that when two gametes fuse during fertilisation, the zygote that is formed has a full set of genetic material (the two halves from the two gametes added together).
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where is the genetic information stored in an animal cell?
Q2.Match up the cell to where it is produced.
Q3.How long is the gestation period of humans?
Q4.Which of these are changes that females go through during puberty?
Q5.What is the process of producing offspring?
Q6.What are hormones?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are sperm and egg cells known as?
Q2.Who is incorrect?
Q3.Which of these doesn't have 46 chromosomes?
Q4.How many chromosomes will a lion's egg and sperm cells have? A lion's body cell contains 38 chromosomes.
Q5.Put the following stages of human development in the right order.
Q6.Where does fertilisation take place?
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Gametes and fertilisation in sexual reproduction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Gametes and fertilisation in sexual reproduction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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