Germ cells are reproductive cells that give rise to sperm and ovum. Which option correctly describes germ cells?

• A. Somatic cells in the body
• B. Blood cells
• C. Reproductive cells that give rise to sperm and ovum
• D. Cells with no nucleus

Answer: (B)

Germ cells are the reproductive cells that will form the next generation's gametes. Their essential role is to produce sperm in males and eggs in females, and they undergo meiosis to create haploid gametes with half the usual number of chromosomes. This distinguishes them from somatic or body cells, which carry out general body functions and divide by mitosis. Some mature blood cells lack a nucleus, but germ cells contain genetic material and are specialized for reproduction, not for forming the other tissues of the body. So, describing germ cells as reproductive cells that give rise to sperm and ovum best captures their function and why they are unique.