What is the term for biological cells that give rise to the gametes in sexually reproducing organisms?

The term that describes biological cells responsible for producing gametes in sexually reproducing organisms is germ cells. These specialized cells undergo a process called meiosis to form gametes, which are sperm and eggs in animals, or pollen and ovules in plants. Germ cells are crucial for sexual reproduction as they carry the genetic material that is passed from one generation to the next.

Somatic cells refer to all non-reproductive cells in an organism's body, contributing to structuring and functioning of tissues and organs, rather than the production of gametes. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of developing into various cell types and do not specifically give rise to gametes. Reproductive cells is a broader term that can refer to germ cells, but it is not the commonly used scientific term specifically indicating the origin of gametes. Thus, germ cells is the most accurate term in this context.