Module 2: Gametogenesis and Hormone Regulation Flashcards
Gametogenesis
-process by which gametes are produced in sexually reproducing organisms
What does gametogenesis ensure
-that the gametes are haploid
-the gametes acquire the specialized characteristics that will allow them to fuse successfully via fertilization
Steps of gamete formation
-mitotic division
-meiotic division
-maturation
Spermatogenesis steps
-mitotic proliferation
-meiosis I
-meiosis II
-maturation
2 types of daughter cells
-type A
-type B
Type A daughter cells
-will continue to replenish the spermatogonial pool
Type B daughter cells
-will divide by mitosis to produce identical primary spermatocytes which enter a resting phase in preparation for meiosis I
Where are spermatogonia located
-closest to the basal membrane of seminiferous tubules in outermost layer
Where are daughter cells located
-move towards the surface of the epithelium to reach the lumen of the tubule
Where are the spermatozoa
-once mature they are released into the lumen of the tubule to be transported out of the testis towards epididymis or maturation and storage
Spermatogenesis waves
-within seminiferous tubules, the local course of spermatogenesis occurs in a wave like pattern
How do the waves move in spermatogenesis
-move in spirals towards the inner part of the lumen
-at the end of the spiral, the fully developed spermatogonia are in the lumen and as they mature they move along the tubule to give way to new cells
How long does the process of spermatogenesis waves take
-64-70 days
Supporting cells of the seminiferous tubules
-leydig cells
-sertoli cells
Leydig cells location
-intertubular regions of the testis
Leydig cells function
-responsible for testosterone production
Sertoli cells function
-provide structural and nutritional support to developing sperm cells until they mature
Blood-testis barrier
-regulates the passage of substances from the circulation into the lumen of seminiferous
Basal compartment of the blood-testis barrier
-the area below the blood-testis barrier
Apical compartment of the blood-testis barrier
-the area above the blood-testis barrier
Immune privileged environment
-meiotic and post meiotic cells develop after the body has established immune tolerance and thus could be recognized as foreign by immune system
-seminiferous tubules are thought to actively exclude immune cells and other factors from entering, mostly from the blood-testis border
Parts of a mature sperm cell
-acrosome
-head
-midpiece
-tail
-end piece
Acrosome
-structure that contains hydrolytic enzymes that the sperm cell will use to enter the egg
Head of sperm
-contains DNA and acrosome
Midpiece of sperm
-contains all of the mitochondria, which create energy used by the tail
Tail of sperm
-typical flagellum
End piece of sperm
-last portion of sperm tail
Teratozoospermia
-sperm with abnormal morphology
Examples of how teratozoospermia can happen
-cryptorchildism
-varioceles
-genetic disorders
Varioceles
-enlargement of veins within scrotum
Steps of oogenesis
-mitotic division
-meiosis I
-meiosis II
Oogenesis mitotic division
-produces primary oocytes
Oogenesis meiosis I
-dormant primary oocyte will complete meiosis I to produce haploid secondary oocyte
Oogenesis meiosis II
-secondary oocyte becomes fertilized to produce ootid
-ootid becomes a mature ovum
Improper formation of polar bodies
-oocytes with a polar body that has been improperly formed are significantly less likely to fertilize
-embryos that do form from them end up having significantly impaired growth
Structure of the ovum
-corona radiata
-zona pellucida
-vitelline membrane
-ooplasm
-germinal vesicle
-germinal spot
Corona radiata
-layer of cells around oocyte that will be released with it during ovulation
-provides vital proteins
Zona pellucida
-hard shell
-binds to head of spermatozoa and helps initiate acrosome reaction
Vitelline membrane
-outer portion of cell membrane
Ooplasm
-yolk of the egg cell
-contains mitochondria