Agamete

/ˌeɪɡəˈmiːt/ noun

Definition

In biology, a cell that reproduces without needing to combine with another cell, as in asexual reproduction.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (not) and 'gamete' (from 'gametes' meaning spouse or mate). The term describes cells that don't need a partner to reproduce.

Kelly Says

Agametes challenge our assumptions about reproduction—many organisms like bacteria and some plants can clone themselves perfectly without any sex at all, which lets them reproduce incredibly fast but also means they pass on exact copies of themselves, mutations included!

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