1. Plural of heterogamete; gametes (sex cells) that differ in size, structure, or genetic content, typically produced by organisms that reproduce sexually with distinct male and female forms.
Usage: biology; technical term; used in genetics and reproductive biology

Examples

• In many animal species, males and females produce heterogametes of different sizes and types.
• The fusion of heterogametes from two parents results in offspring with genetic variation.
• Heterogametes are characteristic of organisms with anisogamy, where male and female gametes differ significantly.
• During sexual reproduction, heterogametes combine to form a zygote.
• The study of heterogametes helps biologists understand sex determination and inheritance patterns.