11.4 Sexual reproduction Flashcards
What is sexual reproduction?
- A form of reproduction that involves the fusion of two haploid gametes.
- The production of these gametes occurs during gametogenesis, which is known as spermatogenesis and oogenesis in males and females, respectively.
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 sperm (takes place in the testes).
Where does the production of sperm take place?
In the testes
What are testes composed of?
Seminiferous tubules with interstitial cells (sometimes called Leydig cells) filling up the gaps in between.
Cross section of seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells in the testes
What is the outer layer of the seminiferous tubule made up of?
A layer of cells called the germinal epithelium.
What is the function of the stem cells of the germinal epithelium?
- These cells, also known as spermatogonia (these are diploid cells, 2n), divide by mitosis to produce more spermatogonia.
- Out of the two daughter cells produced, one renews the stock of spermatogonia in the germinal epithelium, while the other will be involved in sperm production.
Step 1 of how spermatogonia develop into sperm
- Spermatogonia grow into larger cells called primary spermatocytes (2n).
- Each primary spermatocyte carries out the first division of meiosis to produce two secondary spermatocytes (n).
Step 2 of how spermatogonia develop into sperm
Secondary spermatocytes carry out the second division of meiosis to produce two spermatids (n).
Step 3 of how spermatogonia develop into sperm
- Spermatids become associated with nurse cells, called Sertoli cells, which help the spermatids to develop into spermatozoa (n) or sperm.
- This is an example of cell differentiation.
- Sertoli cells provide nurture and support.
- The function of Sertoli cells is to nourish the developing sperm cells through the stages of spermatogenesis.
Step 4 of how spermatogonia develop into sperm
Sperm detach from Sertoli cells and are eventually carried out of the testis by the fluid in the center of the seminiferous tubule.
All steps of how spermatogonia develop into sperm
- Spermatogonia grow into larger cells called primary spermatocytes (2n). Each primary spermatocyte carries out the first division of meiosis to produce two secondary spermatocytes (n).
- Secondary spermatocytes carry out the second division of meiosis to produce two spermatids (n).
- Spermatids become associated with nurse cells, called Sertoli cells, which help the spermatids to develop into spermatozoa (n) or sperm. This is an example of cell differentiation. Sertoli cells provide nurture and support. The function of Sertoli cells is to nourish the developing sperm cells through the stages of spermatogenesis.
- Sperm detach from Sertoli cells and are eventually carried out of the testis by the fluid in the center of the seminiferous tubule.
Diagram showing the stages of spermatogenesis
What is the function of Leydig cells?
Leydig cells in the interstitial space of the testis produce the hormone testosterone, which allows spermatocytes to complete the meiotic divisions and mature into spermatozoa.
What are spermatogenesis and male fertility dependent upon?
The presence of testosterone in the testis.
Where does the development of sperm cells occur?
From the outside to the center (of the seminiferous tubule), with the cells in the center being the most mature.
Diagram os the stages of spermatogenesis in the wall of the seminiferous tubule
What is oogenesis?
This involves the production of ova (egg cells), which takes place in the ovaries of a female.
How many primary follicles is a female born with?
Around 400,000
What does the primary follicle consist of?
A primary oocyte, surrounded by a single layer of follicle cells.
When is the development of the primary oocyte halted?
At the first meiotic division.
Picture (micrograph) of a primary follicle
Stage 1 of oogenesis
- At puberty, FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) begins to be produced and causes some follicles to develop each month.
- This allows the oocyte to complete the first meiotic division.