[02] Gametogenesis (Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis) Flashcards
What is gametogenesis?
The process of forming mature sex cells, known as gametes
What are the two types of gametogenesis?
- Spermatogenesis
- Oogenesis
What is spermatogenesis?
The process of forming mature sperm cells
What is oogenesis?
The process of forming mature egg cells
Where does spermatogenesis occur?
In the testes
Where does oogenesis occur?
In the ovaries
What is the end result of spermatogenesis?
Four haploid sperm cells
What is the end result of oogenesis?
One haploid egg and three polar bodies
What is the purpose of spermatogenesis?
To produce sperm for reproduction
What is the purpose of oogenesis?
To produce eggs for reproduction
When does spermatogenesis begin in a male?
At puberty
When does oogenesis begin in a female?
Before birth
How many chromosomes do mature sperm and egg cells have?
23 each (haploid)
What are polar bodies in oogenesis?
Small cells produced alongside the egg that typically degenerate
How is a zygote formed?
By the fusion of a sperm and egg cell during fertilization
What is a zygote?
The cell resulting from the fusion of an egg and sperm
What is the role of meiosis in gametogenesis?
It halves the number of chromosomes to create haploid gametes
Why is it important for gametes to be haploid?
To maintain the correct number of chromosomes when they combine during fertilization
How are mature sperm cells adapted for their function?
They are small and mobile with a tail for swimming, and they have an enzyme-filled head for penetrating the egg
How are mature egg cells adapted for their function?
They are large and immobile with nutrients for the developing embryo, and they have a protective layer to prevent more than one sperm from entering
