germ cells

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germ cells (germinal cells) Cells which will eventually mature into sperm or ova, which are also known as gametes. In the early embryo germ cells migrate from the yolk sac into a group of cells known as the gonad primordia. The primordia develop into either a testis or an ovary. In the testis the germ cells become spermatogonia, which will divide and eventually become spermatozoa. In the ovary the germ cells become oogonia, are enclosed in a follicle, and are then capable of maturing into ova.

Saffron A. Whitehead


See ova; sperm.