Spermatogenesis/Oogenesis

• What are the two processes for producing gametes?

  Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis
• What is the diploid stem cell in males called?

  Spermatogonium
• What is the diploid stem cell in females called?

  Oogonium
• What is the ploidy level of a primary oocyte?

  2n
• What is the ploidy level of a primary spermatocyte?

  2n
• What happens to primary spermatocytes during meiosis?

  They separate homologous chromosomes in Meiosis I
• What is the result of Meiosis I in spermatogenesis?

  Two secondary spermatocytes (n)
• What occurs during Meiosis II in secondary spermatocytes?

  Sister chromatids separate, producing spermatids
• How many haploid spermatids are produced from one primary spermatocyte?

  Four haploid spermatids
• What is spermiogenesis?

  Maturation of spermatids into spermatozoa
• What is the diploid stem cell in the ovaries called?

  Oogonia
• What happens to primary oocytes before birth?

  They stop in Prophase I
• What occurs at puberty in oogenesis?

  One oocyte per cycle continues Meiosis I
• What is produced from one primary oocyte during Meiosis I?

  One large secondary oocyte and a polar body
• What happens to the secondary oocyte if fertilization occurs?

  It completes Meiosis II, producing an ovum
• What is the fate of polar bodies in oogenesis?

  They eventually degenerate
• What are the key comparisons between spermatogenesis and oogenesis?

  • Spermatogenesis produces four sperm cells; oogenesis produces one ovum.
  • Spermatogenesis occurs continuously; oogenesis has a cyclical pattern.
  • Spermatogenesis results in smaller gametes; oogenesis results in larger gametes.