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Basic Human Reproduction > Spermatogenesis > Flashcards

Spermatogenesis Flashcards

1
Q

Where in the testes does spermatogenesis occur?

A

Seminiferous tubules

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2
Q

What cell type lines the seminiferous tubules?

A

Sertoli cells

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3
Q

What cell type is homologous to Sertoli cells in females?

A

Granulosa cells

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4
Q

What cell type is homologous to Leydig cells in females?

A

Theca cells

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5
Q

Where are Leydig cells found in the testes?

A

Interstitium

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6
Q

What proportion of the testes volume do seminiferous tubules make up?

A

95%

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7
Q

What is the function of Leydig cells?

A

Testosterone synthesis

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8
Q

What are the functions of Sertoli cells?

A
  1. Support/nutrition of developing germ cells; 2. Compartmentalise the seminiferous tubules; 3. Controlled release of spermatids into the tubular lumen; 4. Secretion into the tubules; 5. Phagocytosis
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9
Q

What are the phases of spermatogenesis?

A
  1. Mitosis; 2. Meiosis; 3. Cytodifferentiation
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10
Q

When does mitosis start in males?

A

At the start of puberty

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11
Q

In what compartment of the seminiferous tubules does mitosis occur?

A

Basal compartment

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12
Q

What occurs during mitosis in males

A

Primordial germ cells (enter mitosis) —- become spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) —- type A spermatogonia emerge upon SSC mitosis — each type A = mitosis to a clone of 16. Type A transform morphologically to become A1 spermatogonia — A2 — A3 —- A4 — intermediate spermatogonium — type B spermatogonia — resting primary spermatocyte

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13
Q

What factors promote round of mitosis in SSCs?

A

GDNF (secreted by Sertoli cells), its action potentiated by bFGF and CSF-1

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14
Q

At what point do cells move into the adluminal compartment from the basal compartment?

A

Each pre-leptotene (pre-meiosis) resting primary spermatocyte duplicates its DNA - it is then that it moves into the adluminal compartment

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15
Q

At what point does meiosis begin?

A

As a resting primary spermatocyte

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16
Q

What are the stage of mitosis?

A

G1 (cellular content, excluding chromosomes duplicated), S (chromosome duplication); G2 (error checking); mitosis; cytokinesis

17
Q

What are the stages of meiosis

A

Interphase — Prophase I (leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene, diakinesis) — Metaphase I — Anaphase I — Telophase I — Prophase II — Metaphase II — Anaphase II — Telophase II — Cytokinesis

18
Q

What happens during leptotene (PI)?

A

(Prior = duplication of chromosomes) Chromatin condenses

19
Q

What happens during zygotene (PI)?

A

Homologous chromosomes come together in pairs, attached to the nuclear mebrane at their extremities

20
Q

What happens during pachytene (PI)?

A

Chromosome pairs (bivalents) shorten + condense. Crossing over takes place

21
Q

What happens during diplotene (PI)?

A

Chromosomes start to spirit and decidedness a little to allow fro DNA transcription (but bivalents still remain closely bound at the chiasma and remain so until the chiasmata is severed at the transition into AI)

22
Q

What happens during diakinesis?

A

Nuclei disappear, nuclear membrane disintegrates, meiotic spindle begins to from

23
Q

What happens during MI?

A

Paired homologous chromosomes (bivalents) align on the equatorial plane, bisecting the spindle

24
Q

What happens during AI?

A

Homologous chromosomes pulled to opposite poles of the cell

25
Q

What happens during TI?

A

New nuclear membrane forms and chromosomes uncoil back into chromatin. Cytokinesis occurs and two secondary spermatocytes are formed. Another round of meiosis occurs (meiosis II) and in this, from each secondary spermatocyte, 2 haploid spermatozoa will be formed

26
Q

What are the changes that take place during maturation?

A
  1. Acquisition of motility; 2. Chromatin modification; 3. Acrosome size alteration; 4. Migration of the cytoplasmic droplet from the sperm’s neck, to near the annulus; 5. Acquisitor of the ability to recognise, bind and fuse with eggs; 6. Modification to the surface plasma membrane
27
Q

What is spermiation?

A

When spermatozoa are release into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules and washed along by testicular fluid formed from the Sertoli cells, following cytoplasmic bridge rupture

Basic Human Reproduction (13 decks)

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