General Embryology ( Gametogenesis )

NEET PG Level MCQs:

1. During which week of development do primordial germ cells (PGCs) begin to

migrate from the yolk sac toward the developing gonads?

o A) 2nd week

o B) 3rd week

o C) 4th week

o D) 5th week

2. What is the fate of the majority of oogonia by the seventh month of prenatal
development?

o A) They di8erentiate into primary oocytes.

o B) They remain in a dormant state until puberty.

o C) They become atretic and degenerate.

o D) They complete meiosis I and arrest in meiosis II.

3. Which of the following hormones is essential for the initiation of

spermatogenesis at puberty?

o A) Estrogen

o B) Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

o C) Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

o D) Progesterone

4. Which of the following events in oogenesis is arrested until fertilization

occurs?

o A) Prophase I

o B) Metaphase I

o C) Prophase II

o D) Metaphase II

5. Which structural change in the developing spermatozoon is critical for

fertilization?

o A) Formation of the acrosome

 o B) Formation of the flagellum

o C) Condensation of the nucleus

o D) Shedding of cytoplasm

6. What is the primary cause of nondisjunction during meiosis, leading to

aneuploidy?

o A) Failure of DNA replication

o B) Incomplete cytokinesis

o C) Incorrect synapsis during Prophase I

o D) Failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate

7. Which of the following is a function of the zona pellucida during fertilization?

o A) Providing nutrients to the oocyte

o B) Preventing polyspermy

o C) Facilitating the release of polar bodies

o D) Guiding sperm towards the oocyte

8. Which cell type in the male reproductive system is primarily responsible for
the synthesis of testosterone?

o A) Sertoli cells

o B) Leydig cells

o C) Spermatogonia

o D) Spermatocytes

9. How many mature spermatozoa are produced from a single primary

spermatocyte during spermatogenesis?

o A) 1

o B) 2

o C) 4

o D) 8

10. What is the genetic composition of a polar body produced during oogenesis?

o A) 46 chromosomes, diploid

o B) 23 chromosomes, haploid
 o C) 92 chromosomes, tetraploid

o D) 22 autosomes and no sex chromosome

11. Which of the following structures is responsible for the blood-testis barrier
in the male reproductive system?

o A) Leydig cells

o B) Sertoli cells

o C) Epididymis

o D) Spermatogonia

12. During which phase of meiosis does crossover, resulting in genetic

recombination, occur?

o A) Prophase I

o B) Metaphase I

o C) Anaphase I

o D) Telophase I

13. What is the role of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the female reproductive
system?

o A) Stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles

o B) Triggers ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum

o C) Maintains the uterine lining during pregnancy

o D) Inhibits the release of FSH

14. Which of the following best describes the fate of PGCs that stray from their
normal migratory path?

o A) They di8erentiate into somatic cells.

o B) They may contribute to the formation of teratomas.

o C) They undergo apoptosis and degenerate.

o D) They develop into secondary oocytes.

15. Which phase of spermatogenesis involves the transformation of spermatids

into mature spermatozoa?

o A) Spermatocytogenesis
 o B) Meiosis I

o C) Meiosis II

o D) Spermiogenesis

16. What is the function of the antrum in a developing follicle?

o A) Provides structural support to the oocyte

o B) Acts as a barrier to polyspermy

o C) Facilitates the release of oocytes during ovulation

o D) Accumulates fluid to support follicle expansion

17. Which event marks the beginning of the luteal phase in the ovarian cycle?

o A) Release of FSH

o B) Surge of LH

o C) Ovulation

o D) Follicle selection

18. Which of the following best describes the chromosomal composition of a

primary spermatocyte?

o A) 23 chromosomes, haploid

o B) 46 chromosomes, diploid

o C) 92 chromosomes, tetraploid

o D) 23 chromosomes, diploid

19. What is the role of the first polar body in oogenesis?

o A) It develops into a mature ovum.

o B) It participates in fertilization.

o C) It acts as a genetic repository.

o D) It degenerates after oocyte formation.

20. Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between FSH
and Sertoli cells?

o A) FSH binds to Leydig cells to stimulate testosterone production.

o B) FSH binds to Sertoli cells, promoting the synthesis of androgen-binding

protein.
 o C) FSH stimulates the conversion of spermatids to spermatocytes.

o D) FSH initiates meiosis in primary spermatocytes.

Answer Key:

1. C) 4th week

2. C) They become atretic and degenerate.

3. C) Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

4. D) Metaphase II

5. A) Formation of the acrosome

6. D) Failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate

7. B) Preventing polyspermy

8. B) Leydig cells

9. C) 4

10. B) 23 chromosomes, haploid

11. B) Sertoli cells

12. A) Prophase I

13. B) Triggers ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum

14. B) They may contribute to the formation of teratomas.

15. D) Spermiogenesis

16. D) Accumulates fluid to support follicle expansion

17. C) Ovulation

18. B) 46 chromosomes, diploid

19. D) It degenerates after oocyte formation.

20. B) FSH binds to Sertoli cells, promoting the synthesis of androgen-binding

protein.
Short Answer Questions:

1. Question: Describe the role of Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs) in the development
of gametes.

2. Question: At what stage of meiosis is the primary oocyte arrested before birth,
and what triggers its continuation?

3. Question: What is the significance of the blood-testis barrier formed by Sertoli

cells?

4. Question: What are the key di8erences between spermatogenesis and

oogenesis in terms of the number of gametes produced from a single germ cell?

5. Question: How does the migration of Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs) influence
the development of the reproductive system?

Long Answer Questions:

1. Question: Compare and contrast the processes of spermatogenesis and

oogenesis in terms of timing, outcome, and regulatory mechanisms.

2. Question: Explain the role of hormones in regulating the process of

spermatogenesis, including the functions of FSH, LH, and testosterone.

3. Question: Describe the process of oocyte maturation from the primordial follicle
stage to ovulation, including the roles of the surrounding follicular cells and
hormonal influences.

4. Question: Discuss the significance of the migration of Primordial Germ Cells

(PGCs) during early development and how errors in this process can a8ect
gametogenesis.

5. Question: Explain the process of spermiogenesis, detailing the morphological

changes that occur as spermatids di8erentiate into mature spermatozoa.

Answer Key and Solutions:

Short Answer Solutions:

1. Role of Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs): PGCs are the precursors to gametes in
both males and females. They originate in the epiblast during the second week of
development and migrate to the developing gonads by the end of the fifth week.
In the gonads, PGCs undergo mitotic divisions and eventually di8erentiate into
 spermatogonia in males or oogonia in females, which will further develop into
mature gametes through spermatogenesis or oogenesis.

2. Arrest in Meiosis: The primary oocyte is arrested at the diplotene stage of

prophase I before birth. The continuation of meiosis is triggered by the LH surge
during puberty, which resumes meiosis I, leading to the formation of a secondary
oocyte and the first polar body.

3. Blood-Testis Barrier: The blood-testis barrier is formed by tight junctions

between Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules. This barrier is crucial for
protecting developing spermatocytes from autoimmune attacks and creating a
controlled environment for spermatogenesis.

4. Spermatogenesis vs. Oogenesis (Gametes Produced): In spermatogenesis,

each primary spermatocyte undergoes two meiotic divisions to produce four
spermatids, which mature into four spermatozoa. In contrast, oogenesis results
in one mature ovum and three polar bodies from each primary oocyte, with the
polar bodies typically degenerating.

5. Migration of PGCs and Reproductive System Development: The migration of

PGCs from the yolk sac to the developing gonads is critical for the proper
formation of the reproductive organs. Errors in PGC migration can lead to the
absence of germ cells in the gonads, resulting in infertility or the development of
gonadal dysgenesis.

Long Answer Solutions:

1. Spermatogenesis vs. Oogenesis:

o Spermatogenesis: Begins at puberty and continues throughout life,

producing millions of sperm daily. It involves mitotic divisions, meiosis I
and II, and spermiogenesis, resulting in four haploid spermatozoa from
each spermatogonium.

o Oogenesis: Begins before birth with the formation of primary oocytes,

which are arrested in prophase I. At puberty, each menstrual cycle, one
oocyte resumes meiosis, but only one ovum is typically produced from
each oogonium. Oogenesis is regulated by FSH and LH, and the process
culminates in ovulation.

2. Hormonal Regulation of Spermatogenesis:

o FSH: Stimulates Sertoli cells to support spermatogenesis and produce

androgen-binding protein (ABP).

o LH: Stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone, which is essential for

the completion of spermatogenesis.
 o Testosterone: Maintains the environment required for the maturation of
spermatids into spermatozoa and is involved in the feedback regulation of
gonadotropin release.

3. Oocyte Maturation:

o Primordial Follicle to Ovulation: The process begins with the growth of

primordial follicles, which develop into primary follicles, secondary
follicles, and finally mature Graafian follicles. Follicular cells secrete
hormones like estrogen and provide structural support. The LH surge
triggers ovulation, where the mature follicle releases the oocyte, which is
now arrested in metaphase II.

4. Significance of PGC Migration:

o PGC Migration: PGCs originate in the epiblast and migrate to the gonadal
ridges, where they eventually form the gametes. Proper migration is
crucial for gonadal development. Errors in this migration can lead to
ectopic germ cells, which may result in teratomas or infertility due to the
absence of germ cells in the gonads.

5. Spermiogenesis:

o Process: Spermiogenesis is the final phase of spermatogenesis, where

spermatids undergo significant morphological changes to become
mature spermatozoa. These changes include the formation of the
acrosome, condensation of the nucleus, development of the tail, and
shedding of excess cytoplasm. This process is critical for producing
functional sperm capable of fertilizing an ovum.