Which cellular component is involved in sexual reproduction?

Gametes are specialized cells involved in sexual reproduction. They are the reproductive cells that unite during fertilization to form a new organism. In humans, gametes are represented by sperm in males and ova (or eggs) in females. Each gamete carries half the genetic material (haploid) necessary to create a complete set of chromosomes (diploid) when combined with another gamete during fertilization. This process ensures genetic diversity and is a fundamental aspect of sexual reproduction.

The other options refer to different cellular components or parts of the body that do not play a direct role in sexual reproduction. Somatic cells, for example, are any body cells that are not gametes; they contain the full set of chromosomes and are involved in the growth and maintenance of the organism but do not contribute to reproduction. The cerebellum and thalamus are parts of the brain, involved in motor control and sensory information processing, respectively; they are not directly related to the process of sexual reproduction.