11. Animal Physiology : 11.4 Sexual Reproduction Flashcards
Define sexual reproduction.
A form of reproduction that involves the fusion of two haploid gametes, each containing a random selection of chromosomes, allows for an enormous number of different combinations resulting in unique individuals
List the names of production of gametes in males and females.
Spermatogenesis in males
Oogenesis in females
Define gametogenesis.
The process by which cells of the germinal epithelium undergo cell division and differentiation to form haploid gametes.
What is spermatogenesis?
The production of sperms which takes places in testes.
What is the testes composed of?
- Seminiferous tubules
- Interstitial cells (sometimes called leydig cells) : produce the hormone testosterone which allows spermatocytes to complete and mature
Explain the stages of spermatogenesis briefly.
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What is the process of forming a Graafian follicle?
Primary follicles form into granulosa - secondary follicle
Then the secondary follicles develop fluid filled cavities - tertiary follicles
Graafian follicles: the formation of all the smaller fluid-filled cavities fusing together to form one cavity
What happens when sperm is deposited in the female’s body?
They go towards the egg to fertilise it
Some form for chemotaxis is involved in guiding the sperm to the egg
Fertilisation starts once sperm reaches the egg
What is meant by fertilisation?
The fusing of two gametes: an egg cell and a sperm cell
What happens when more than one sperm fertilises an egg?
Results in a polyploid offspring (called polyspermy)
Explain the 5 steps of fertilisation briefly.
- Sperm penetrates the follicle cells and binds to the receptors of the zona pellucida
- Acrosomal reaction:
- hydrolytic enzymes make a hole in zona pellucida allowing the sperm to make its way to the plasma membrane of the egg - Egg and sperm touch and fuse
- Sperm nucleus enters egg cytoplasm and activates egg. this affects the complexion of second meiotic division and rise in intracellular concentration of calcium.
- Cortical reaction:
- hardens zona pellucida and prevents polyspermy
- release mixture of enzymes from cortical granules and diffuse into zona pellucida and hardens the layer and destroy sperm receptors to prevent more sperm binding
Explain the acrosomal reaction.
Hydrolytic enzymes released by exocytosis and these enzymes make a hole in zona pellucida allowing the sperm to make its way to the plasma membrane of the egg
Explain the cornical reaction.
Brief: hardens the zona pellucida and prevents polyspermy
- release of enzymes from cortical granules
- these enzymes diffuse into zona pellucida
- they alter the shape by hardening the layer and destroying the sperm receptors to prevent more sperm from binding
What is external fertilisation?
A method of fertilisation in which two haploid gametes, a sperm and an egg cell fuse together outside the parents body
What is internal fertilisation?
The transfer of sperm into the female’s body for fertilisation to occur.
Why are vast quantities of eggs and sperm produced in marine ecosystems?
- to increase chances of fertilisation
- environemental factors can impact the survival
- predators
- male and female sex cells are released within a short distance of each other so fertilisation rate is low