Let 4 - Gamatogenesis Flashcards
What do germ cells do after colonising the gonad?
- proliferate by mitosis
- reshuffle genetically and reduce to haploid by meiosis
- cytodifferentiate into mature gametes.
What does the SRY gene do?
it is the sex determining region on the Y chromosome which determines the development of the testes.
Describe the characteristics of oogenesis.
- there are very few gametes - 400 in lifetime.
- intermittent production - once a month.
- around 1 out of the 400 have reproductive potential.
Describe the characteristics of spermatogenesis.
- there are a huge number of sperm produced - around 200 million a day.
- production is continuous.
- the cells are essentially disposable.
What are the main functions of meiosis?
- Reduce the chromosome number in the gamete to 23.
- ensures every gamete is genetically unique.
How does genetic variation arise in meiosis?
- crossing over –> this is the exchange of regions of DNA between two homologous chromosomes —> happens in prophase I.
- Independent assortment –> This is the random orientation of each bivalent along the metaphase plate with respect to other bivalents.
- Random Segregation –> this is. the random distribution of alleles among the four gametes.
What does the head of epididymis do in spermatogenesis?
It is the storage tube for sperm.
What is spermatogonia and how long are they around for?
- they are raw material for spermatogenesis.
- They are available for up to 70 years.
What are produced by the division of spermatogonia?
- They divide by mitosis.
- Ad spermatogonium - this is reserve stock and it is resting.
- Ap spermatogonium - active and maintain stock.
- -> From puberty onwards they produce type B spermatogonia which give rise to primary spermatocytes.
What do primary spermatocytes eventually end up as?
They divide by meiosis giving rise to secondary spermatocytes and then to spermatids.
What does each primary spermatocyte form?
Each primary spermatocyte forms 4 haploid spermatids which differentiate by spermatogenesis into spermatozoa.
What is the spermatogenic cycle defined as?
- It is defined as time taken for reappearance of the same stage within a given segment of tubule.
- approximately 16 days in humans.
- different stages in spermatogenesis are also ordered in space as well as time.
- The distance between the same stage is called the spermatogenic wave.
Describe the process of spermiogenesis?
- spermatids are released into the lumen of seminiferous tubules –> This is known as spermiation.
- They remodel as they pass down the seminiferous tubule , through r2te testis and ductuli efferentes and into the epididymis to finally form spermatozoa.
- Then they are non-motile until they reach the epididymis.
- –> this transport is via Sertoli cell secretions which are assisted by peristaltic contraction.
How is semen released?
- 70% by seminal vesicle secretions such as amino acids, citrate, fructose and prostaglandins.
- 25% by secretions of prostate such as proteolytic enzymes and zinc.
- 2-5% by sperm via the vas deferens.
- < 1% Bulbourethral gland secretions (Cowper gland)
- –> Mucoproteins help to lubricate and neutralise acidic urine in the distal urethra.
What increases the motility of sperm?
When the concentration of zinc falls.