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Chapter 18: Problem 8

How does spermatogenesis differ from oogenesis? (pages \(434-35\) )

Short Answer

Expert verified
Spermatogenesis and oogenesis differ in several ways. Spermatogenesis occurs continuously from puberty throughout a male's life, while oogenesis starts during fetal development and progresses until menopause. Spermatogenesis results in four haploid sperm cells, whereas oogenesis produces only one functional haploid ovum and two or three polar bodies. Additionally, sperm cells undergo morphological changes, including the development of a flagellum and an acrosome, while egg cells grow larger and accumulate cellular resources. Despite these differences, both processes involve meiosis and serve to create haploid gametes for sexual reproduction.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process by which male gametes, called sperm, are produced in the testes. This process involves the division of spermatogonia (diploid germ cells) into haploid sperm cells through meiosis, followed by a series of developmental changes that enable the spermatozoa to become mature sperm. Spermatogenesis occurs continuously throughout a male's life, beginning at puberty.
02

Understanding Oogenesis

Oogenesis is the process responsible for the formation of female gametes, called eggs or ova, in the ovaries. Similar to spermatogenesis, oogenesis begins with the division of oogonia (diploid germ cells) into haploid oocytes through meiosis. However, unlike spermatogenesis, oogenesis occurs in stages throughout a female's life, starting in fetal development and continuing through adolescence and adulthood until menopause.
03

Comparing the Timing of Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

One main difference between spermatogenesis and oogenesis is the timing. Spermatogenesis begins at puberty and continues uninterrupted throughout a male's life, while oogenesis starts during fetal development and progresses in stages until menopause, with the majority of oocytes remaining arrested in meiosis until a female reaches sexual maturity.
04

Comparing the Outcome of Meiosis in Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

In spermatogenesis, meiosis results in the formation of four haploid sperm cells, each of which can potentially fertilize an egg. In contrast, oogenesis produces only one functional haploid ovum by the end of meiosis, along with two or three smaller cells called polar bodies, which eventually degenerate. This difference in the number of gametes produced is because the cytoplasm in oogenesis divides unequally, conserving most of the cellular resources for the single ovum.
05

Comparing Maturation Processes

While both spermatogenesis and oogenesis result in the formation of haploid gametes, the maturation processes for sperm and eggs are quite different. Sperm cells undergo significant morphological changes during spermiogenesis, becoming equipped with a flagellum for motility and an acrosome containing enzymes to penetrate the egg. Egg cells, on the other hand, grow larger and accumulate nutrients and organelles during maturation to support early embryonic development.
06

Similarities Between Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

Despite differences, spermatogenesis and oogenesis share some similarities. Both processes involve meiosis, the reduction of the chromosome number by half to create haploid gametes. Additionally, both sperm and egg cells undergo specific maturation processes to become functionally and morphologically capable of participating in fertilization. In summary, spermatogenesis and oogenesis differ in their timing, the number of gametes produced, and the maturation processes of the resulting gametes. However, both processes involve meiosis and serve to create haploid gametes essential for sexual reproduction.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Trisomy of chromosome 21 is called a. Down syndrome. b. Klinefelter syndrome. c. Turner syndrome. d. Jacobs syndrome.

At the equator in metaphase of meiosis I, there are a. single chromosomes in random order. b. unpaired duplicated chromosomes in random order c. homologous pairs in random order. d. homologous pairs with those from the mother on one side and from the father on the other side.

Match the statement to interphase or the phase of mitosis in the key. a. metaphase b. interphase c. telophase d. prophase e. anaphase. Spindle fibers begin to appear.

If a parent cell has 18 chromosomes, how are they arranged at the equator during metaphase of mitosis? a. single file of 18 replicated chromosomes in random order b. double file of 9 replicated chromosomes in random order c. single file of 18 replicated chromosomes from number 1 to 18 d. double file of 9 replicated chromosomes with \(1-9\) from the mother on one side and \(1-9\) from the father on the other side

If a parent cell has 18 chromosomes before mitosis, how many chromosomes will the daughter cells have? a. 18 b. 36 c. 9 d. 27
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