OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

How do female gametes behave in comparison to male gametes?

1. They move freely

2. They stay still

3. They split into two

4. They grow larger

The correct answer is: They stay still

Female gametes, or eggs, typically remain stationary within the ovary until they are released during ovulation. This contrasts with male gametes, or sperm, which are motile and actively swim through the reproductive tract to reach the egg. The behavior of female gametes facilitates their role in reproduction, as the egg provides a nutrient-rich environment for potential fertilization and subsequent development. While the other options refer to behavior or characteristics that do not accurately represent the nature of female gametes, the essential aspect is that female gametes remain in place until needed, allowing for a more focused process of fertilization when the sperm arrives. This stationary nature ensures that once a sperm reaches the egg, it can efficiently fuse to initiate the development of a new organism.