Germ Cells

Germ cells are special cells within an organism that are the precursor to the gametes, or reproductive cells, that form during sexual reproduction. These germ cells contain all of the genetic information from the parent organism and are responsible for passing it on to new generations. Germ cells are essential for the continuity of life as we know it and for the evolution of new species. They are found primarily in the gonads (testes and ovaries) and during embryo development, but may also be present in other tissues throughout the body. Germ cells are also studied in laboratories and used to create genetically modified organisms and biotechnologies.