GAMETOGENESIS

Spermatogenesis:

1. What is the process of spermatogenesis and where does it take place?

Spermatogenesis is the process by which male gametes (sperms) are produced. It takes place in the
seminiferous tubules located within the testes.

2. How many sperms are produced daily in the testes?

Approximately 200-300 million sperms are produced daily in the testes.

3. Where do immature sperms undergo maturation?

Immature sperms undergo maturation in the epididymis, where they become motile and capable of
fertilization.

4. What are seminiferous tubules and what role do they play in spermatogenesis?
Seminiferous tubules are pipe-like structures in the testes where spermatogenesis occurs. They contain
a central lumen and a wall made up of various cells responsible for sperm production.

5. What types of cells are found in the wall of seminiferous tubules, and what is their role?
The wall of seminiferous tubules contains primary germ cells that go through various stages of
development to eventually form spermatids, which are immature sperms.

6. What is the function of Sertoli cells in the process of spermatogenesis?

Sertoli cells provide support and nourishment to the developing sperm cells during their various stages
of division and maturation.

7. What are the two main phases of spermatogenesis, and how do they differ?
The two main phases are:
• Spermatocytogenesis: In this phase, one germ cell divides into four precursor gametes called
spermatids.
• Spermiogenesis: This is the maturation and differentiation of spermatids into mature sperm
without further cell division.

8. Describe the process of spermatocytogenesis. How many spermatids are produced from a
single germ cell?
In spermatocytogenesis, a single primary spermatogonium divides to form four spermatids. This process
involves mitosis followed by two stages of meiosis.

9. What occurs during spermiogenesis, and how does it differ from spermatocytogenesis?
During spermiogenesis, the spermatids undergo maturation and differentiation into mature sperm
without further cell division. This contrasts with spermatocytogenesis, where multiple divisions occur
to produce spermatids.
 10. What changes occur during the Golgi, Acrosomal, Tail, and Maturation phases of
spermiogenesis?

• Golgi Phase: The Golgi apparatus forms the enzymes needed for the acrosome.
• Acrosomal Phase: The acrosome condenses around the nucleus to form a cap.
• Tail Phase: The centriole elongates to form the sperm’s tail.
• Maturation Phase: The spermatid loses excess cytoplasm and forms a mature sperm but
remains non-motile.

11. Where are mature sperm released after spermatogenesis, and how do they become motile?
Mature sperm are released into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. They then spend a few days in
the epididymis, where they gain motility and become capable of fertilization.

Cell Division in Spermatogenesis:

12. What is the role of primary spermatogonia in spermatogenesis?

Primary spermatogonia are the initial germ cells found in the wall of the seminiferous tubules. They
divide to either maintain their population (Type A spermatogonia) or differentiate into Type B
spermatogonia, which will further develop into primary spermatocytes.

13. How does mitosis differ from meiosis in the formation of sperm cells?
In mitosis, primary spermatogonia divide to produce diploid cells that maintain the chromosome number.
In meiosis, primary spermatocytes undergo two divisions (Meiosis I and II) to produce haploid
spermatids, which have half the number of chromosomes.

14. What is the chromosomal difference between primary spermatocytes and secondary
spermatocytes?
Primary spermatocytes are diploid (2N) with a full set of chromosomes. Secondary spermatocytes are
haploid (N) with half the chromosomal material after Meiosis I.

15. What is the significance of Meiosis I and Meiosis II in the formation of spermatids?
Meiosis I reduces the chromosome number by half, forming haploid secondary spermatocytes. Meiosis
II ensures that each spermatid receives a single set of chromosomes, maintaining genetic diversity.
Oogenesis:

16. When does the process of oogenesis begin, and how does it differ from spermatogenesis?
Oogenesis begins before birth during the embryonic stage of fetal development. Unlike spermatogenesis,
which occurs continuously after puberty, oogenesis starts before birth and pauses until puberty.

17. What is an oogonium, and how does it contribute to oogenesis?

An oogonium is an immature female reproductive cell that divides by mitosis to produce diploid
daughter cells. One daughter cell remains as an oogonium, while the other becomes a primary oocyte.

18. At what stage is the primary oocyte arrested during fetal development, and why?
The primary oocyte is arrested in Prophase I of Meiosis I during fetal development. This arrest allows
the oocytes to remain dormant until they are activated by hormones after puberty.

19. What are primordial follicles, and what is their significance in oogenesis?
Primordial follicles are structures in the ovaries that contain primary oocytes arrested in Prophase I.
These follicles remain inactive until puberty.

20. What happens to primary oocytes from birth until puberty?

The primary oocytes remain arrested in Prophase I within primordial follicles and do not continue
oogenesis until the onset of puberty when hormonal changes activate them.

21. How do hormones influence the continuation of oogenesis at puberty?

Hormonal stimulation during puberty causes primary oocytes to resume Meiosis I and continue dividing.
However, the division of cytoplasm is unequal, leading to the formation of a secondary oocyte and a
polar body.

22. What is the difference between a primary oocyte and a secondary oocyte?
A primary oocyte is diploid and arrested in Prophase I, whereas a secondary oocyte is haploid and
results from the completion of Meiosis I. The secondary oocyte will undergo Meiosis II if fertilization
occurs.

23. What is a polar body, and why does it degenerate during oogenesis?
A polar body is a small cell produced during the uneven division of the primary oocyte. It contains very
little cytoplasm and degenerates because it does not have enough resources to survive.

24. Describe the transition of follicles from primary to secondary follicles. What is an antrum?
As the follicle develops, it grows from a primary follicle into a secondary follicle, characterized by the
presence of an antrum, which is a fluid-filled space inside the follicle.

25. What happens during ovulation, and how does the secondary oocyte move toward the
uterus?
During ovulation, the mature follicle ruptures, releasing the secondary oocyte into the fallopian tube.
The oocyte moves toward the uterus through the beating motion of cilia in the fallopian tube.
 26. What triggers the completion of Meiosis II in the secondary oocyte?
Meiosis II is only completed if fertilization occurs. The presence of sperm triggers the oocyte to proceed
from Metaphase II to complete Meiosis II.

27. What is the role of fertilization in the completion of oogenesis?

Fertilization is necessary for the completion of oogenesis. It allows the secondary oocyte to finish
Meiosis II and form the ovum (female gamete) along with a second polar body.