The cells that carry information to make new offspring are called gametes.

Here's a breakdown:

* Gametes are specialized reproductive cells that contain half the number of chromosomes found in other body cells.

* In humans, the female gamete is the egg cell (or ovum) and the male gamete is the sperm cell.

* During fertilization, a sperm cell and an egg cell fuse, combining their genetic material to create a zygote which contains the full set of chromosomes.

* The zygote then divides and develops into a new individual.

So, it's the information contained within the gametes (specifically in their DNA) that determines the characteristics of the offspring.