A germ cell is any cell that gives rise to the gametes of an organism that reproduces sexually. In many animals, the germ cells originate in the primitive streak and migrate via the gut of an embryo to the developing gonads. There, they undergo meiosis, followed by cellular differentiation into mature gametes, either eggs or sperm.

Definition: What are Germ Cells? Essentially, germ cells are the embryonic precursors of egg and sperm cells (gametes) involved in sexual reproduction in animals. In vertebrates, these cells originate outside the embryo in early development before migrating to the reproductive organs of the organism.

Germ cells are precursor cells to the gametes of the human male and female. These cells are the only cells in the body that undergo meiosis instead of mitosis as compared to other somatic cells. The germ cells will differentiate into egg and sperm cells through spermatogenesis (sperm cell development) and oogenesis (egg cell development).