Germ cell development is the process by which specialized cells, known as germ cells, are formed in an organism. These cells are crucial for reproduction, as they give rise to sperm in males and eggs in females. Germ cells originate from the embryonic cells and migrate to the developing gonads, where they undergo several stages of differentiation. During germ cell development, these cells undergo meiosis, a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half. This process ensures genetic diversity in the offspring. Proper germ cell development is essential for fertility and is influenced by various factors, including hormones and environmental conditions.