A sex cell or gamete that differs from others of the same organism, often determining the sex of offspring.
From Greek hetero- (different) + gamete (spouse or reproductive cell). A genetics term describing sex chromosomes and reproductive cells that produce genetic variation.
A male mammal's heterogametes are the X and Y sperm—whichever reaches the egg first literally determines if you're a boy or girl, making dads the real chromosome-deciders!
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