2.1 gamete production and fertilisation

Question 1

Where does gamete production take place in males

Answer 1

Gamete production happens in the seminiferous tubules of the testes where spermatozoa (sperm) are made in males.

Question 2

explain the role of the seminiferous tubules

Answer 2

The seminiferous tubules within the testes are the site of development and maturation of sperm.

Question 3

explain the role of interstitial cells

Answer 3

The interstitial cells surround the seminiferous tubules and are responsible for the production of testosterone under the direction of hormones from the pituitary gland in the brain.

Question 4

Explain the role of the prostate gland

Answer 4

Secretes a lubricating liquid containing enzymes which maintain optimum viscosity for motility

Question 5

Whats the collective name for fluid and sperm

Answer 5

Semen

Question 6

Describe the role of seminal vesicles

Answer 6

Produce liquid rich in fructose and hormone

Question 7

Why does the fluid (either prostate and seminal vesicle or semen) contain substrates

Answer 7

The fluids also contain substrates for respiration to ensure that the sperm have an energy source for respiration to keep them alive (viable).

Question 8

where does the gamete production take place in females

Answer 8

Female gametes called ova (eggs) are produced in the ovaries.

Question 9

Describe the development of an ovum within the ovary.

Answer 9

Ovaries contain many ova (eggs) in various stages of development. During the course of a menstrual cycle, one of the ova in an ovary will mature. As an ovum matures, the Graafian follicle increases in size protecting the developing ovum and secreting hormones under direction from the pituitary gland in the brain. When the Graafian follicle is fully matured it ruptures releasing the mature ova into the ovary. This process is called ovulation.

Question 10

Describe the process of ovulation

Answer 10

Ovulation is the release of an ovum (egg) from a mature Graafian follicle in the ovary into the oviduct under the direction of hormones. This normally occurs mid-way through the menstrual cycle (approximately day 14 in an average cycle).

Question 11

State where fertilisation takes place.

Answer 11

Fertilisation normally happens within the upper section of one of the oviducts.

Question 12

Define the term zygote

Answer 12

Zygote is the term used to describe a newly fertilised egg.

The zygote then starts to divide by mitosis and is then called an embryo.

Question 13

gamete production in the testes

Answer 13

The pituitary gland releases fsh, which promotes sperm production in the seminiferous tubules and ICSH which promotes the production of testosterone in the interstitial cells. The testosterone stimulates the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, this stimulates sperm production

Question 14

are sperm motile?

Answer 14

Sperm are motile- require a fluid to swim in and a source of energy

Question 15

What comes under accessory glands

Answer 15

Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland

Question 16

What are eggs formed from

Answer 16

germline cells in the ovaries

Question 17

What is each egg surrounded by

Answer 17

Each egg is surrounded by a follicle, which secretes the hormone oestrogen and protects the egg from developing

Question 18

What does the follicule develop into following ovulation

Answer 18

The follicule develops into a corpus luteum which secretes the hormone proestrogen

Question 19

Where does fertilisation take place in females

Answer 19

Starts in the ovaries, then the fallopian tube then blastocyst occurs in the uterus

Question 20

What do celia do

Answer 20

Every month the ovum is released and the Celia waft it towards the uterus