What is the difference between male and female sperm in terms of their characteristics and functions?

Male sperm, or sperm cells produced by males, carry either an X or Y chromosome, determining the sex of the offspring. Female sperm, or sperm cells produced by females, only carry an X chromosome. Both types of sperm have the same function of fertilizing an egg, but male sperm are faster swimmers and have a shorter lifespan compared to female sperm.