Isogamy (Gr. Isos - Equal, Gamos - Marriage)

Isogamy is a type of sexual reproduction in which two gametes of equal size and structure merge.

The term "isogamy" comes from the Greek words "isos" - equal and "gamos" - marriage. He emphasizes the equality of merging gametes.

With isogamy, the gametes involved in fertilization are morphologically and functionally identical. They are not differentiated into male and female.

Isogamy is characteristic of the simplest unicellular organisms, such as some types of ciliates, fungi and algae. These organisms do not have division into different types of reproductive cells. Any cell can perform the function of a gamete.

With isogamy there is no alternation of generations. The zygote, formed as a result of the fusion of isogametes, divides and gives rise to individuals of the next generation, identical to the parent ones.

Thus, isogamy is a primitive type of sexual reproduction in which all gametes are morphologically identical. This is typical for the simplest single-celled organisms.