The Science Notes

Gametogenesis: Spermatogenesis and

Oogenesis | Process, Differences, and
Signi8cance
! July 6, 2023 / Binod G C / " 0

Gametogenesis is the process of creating haploid gametes from diploid precursor cells
through meiosis. It involves Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

Gametogenesis, the intricate process of producing gametes from haploid precursor cells, is
crucial for the continuation of generations in humans and various organisms. It involves
the division of diploid cells to create new haploid cells that carry half the number of
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 chromosomes as the parent cell. In animals and higher plants, gametogenesis yields two
distinct types of gametes, male and female, through separate di!erentiation programs.

Gametogenesis notes

Gametogenesis in Animals
In animals, the production of gametes occurs within the germ line, a dedicated tissue
responsible for forming germ cells. These germ cells, also known as gametes, undergo
meiosis during gametogenesis, resulting in the direct development of haploid cells that
mature into sperm in males and eggs in females. Meiosis plays an integral role in the
process of gametogenesis in animals.

Gametogenesis in Plants
On the other hand, in plants, some fungi, and certain algae, meiosis is temporally
separated from gametogenesis. Diploid cells undergo meiosis to produce haploid spores,
which give rise to a haploid generation called the ‘gametophyte.’ The gametophyte
eventually develops into gametes, sometimes triggered by environmental or chemical
stimuli.
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 Gametogenesis in unicellular organisms
Interestingly, in some unicellular and simple multicellular eukaryotes, gametes are
produced from haploid cells several generations after meiosis, or even immediately
following it. Notably, in fungi, multicellular algae, and some protists, gametes are not
morphologically distinct as in animals. Instead, they are designated as (+) or (-) mating
types.

Gametogenesis in Humans
In humans, gametogenesis is crucial for the production of sperm through spermatogenesis
in males and eggs through oogenesis in females. During meiosis, two cell divisions take
place, separating the paired chromosomes and chromatids, resulting in haploid gametes.

In summary, gametogenesis is the process of creating haploid gametes from diploid

precursor cells through meiosis. In animals, such as humans, spermatogenesis leads to the
production of sperm, while oogenesis results in the formation of eggs. This complex
process occurs in the gonads and involves multiple mitotic divisions, meiotic divisions, and
di!erentiation of haploid daughter cells to generate functional gametes essential for
sexual reproduction and the continuation of life.
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 Di!erences between Oogenesis and Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm production in male reproductive system, that
takes place in the wall of the seminiferous tubules.

Process of Spermatogenesis
The process of spermatogenesis is a remarkable and intricate journey that takes place in
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 the seminiferous tubules of the testes. Let’s explore the steps involved in this dynamic
process:

Location and Cells Involved:

Spermatogenesis occurs within the wall of the seminiferous tubules.

Stem cells, known as spermatogonia, reside at the outer edge of the tubules.

Fully developed spermatozoa are located in the center or lumen of the tubules.

Diploid, undi!erentiated cells lie beneath the tubule capsule.

Mitosis and Differentiation:

Spermatogonia undergo mitosis, resulting in the production of new cells.

During mitosis, one of the resulting cells di!erentiates into a sperm cell, while the
other continues the cycle, giving rise to the next generation of sperm.

This continuous process ensures the ongoing production of mature sperm.

Meiosis:
Primary spermatocytes, derived from spermatogonia, undergo meiosis.
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 Meiosis is a two-step cell division process that reduces the chromosome number by
half.

The first meiotic division yields two haploid secondary spermatocytes.

Further Meiotic Division:

Each secondary spermatocyte undergoes the second meiotic division.

This division produces four haploid spermatids, each containing half the number of
chromosomes as the original primary spermatocyte.

Differentiation into Sperm Cells:

Spermatids then undergo a process called spermiogenesis, where they undergo
extensive changes to become functional sperm cells.

The spermatids develop a head region containing the nucleus, which carries the
genetic material.

They also develop a midpiece containing mitochondria for energy production and a
tail, or flagellum, for motility.

Release and Maturation:

The fully developed sperm cells are released into the lumen of the seminiferous
tubules.

They then undergo maturation processes in the epididymis and other parts of the
male reproductive system, acquiring the ability to swim and fertilize an egg.

Continuous Process:
Spermatogenesis is a continuous process that starts at puberty and continues
throughout a man’s life.

Stem cells at the periphery of the seminiferous tubules ensure the production of new
sperm cells.

Spermatogenesis is a complex and well-coordinated process that ensures the production

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 of mature and functional sperm cells for fertilization purposes. It showcases the incredible
ability of the male reproductive system to continually generate and renew the male germ
cell population.

Oogenesis
Oogenesis is the process of egg cell or ovum production in the female reproductive
system. It is a complex developmental process that begins during fetal development and
continues throughout the reproductive years of a woman.

Process of Oogenesis
The process of oogenesis is a fascinating and intricate journey that takes place in the
ovaries of females. Let’s explore the steps involved in this dynamic process:

Location and Initiation:

Oogenesis occurs in the outermost layers of the ovaries.

It begins with a germ cell called an oogonium, which undergoes mitosis during
embryonic development, increasing in number.

The resulting cells are known as primary oocytes.

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 Prophase Arrest and Primordial Follicles:
The primary oocytes initiate meiosis but become arrested in the first prophase stage
and remain in this stage until birth.

At birth, all future eggs, or ova, are already in the prophase stage.

During fetal development, primordial germ cells move to the cortex of the primordial
gonad and undergo mitosis, resulting in around 7 million cells.

Reduction and Atresia:

Cell death occurs after the peak of mitotic division, leaving approximately 2 million
cells, which develop into primary oocytes.

Further cell death, known as atresia, occurs during childhood, reducing the number
of eggs to approximately 40,000 by puberty.

Maturation and Monthly Cycle:

At the onset of puberty, a small number of primary oocytes, typically 15-20, begin
maturation each month.

Only one of these primary oocytes reaches full maturation to become an oocyte.

Maturation involves the formation of follicles, specialized structures that surround

and nourish the oocyte.

The maturing oocyte completes the first meiotic division, resulting in the formation
of a secondary oocyte and a polar body.

The secondary oocyte is the larger cell, receiving most of the cellular material, while
the polar body is smaller and typically degenerates.

Ovulation and Meiotic Arrest:

The secondary oocyte, now arrested in metaphase II, is released during ovulation,
where it is swept into the fallopian tube.

If fertilization occurs, the secondary oocyte completes meiosis II, forming a second
polar body and a fertilized egg with a complete set of chromosomes.
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 If fertilization does not occur, the secondary oocyte degenerates after approximately
24 hours, remaining arrested in meiosis II.

Fertilization and Zygote Formation:

If the secondary oocyte is fertilized by a sperm, chemical changes are triggered,
leading to the completion of meiosis II.

Another polar body may form during this process.

Once meiosis II is complete, the mature egg forms an ovum.

The nucleus of the ovum fuses with the sperm nucleus, forming a zygote, which will
develop into an embryo.

Oogenesis is a complex and highly regulated process that ensures the production of
mature ova for potential fertilization. It demonstrates the incredible ability of the female
reproductive system to develop and release a limited number of oocytes, paving the way
for the creation of new life.

Differences between Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

Parameters Spermatogenesis Oogenesis

Definition The process of sperm The process of egg

production production

Location Testes Ovaries

Stages Occurs entirely in the testes Involves ovary and oviduct

Gamete produced Sperm (motile) Egg (non-motile)

Cell division Equal cytokinesis Unequal cytokinesis

Chromosome number Remains the same Reduced by half

Frequency Continuous process Discontinuous process

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 Release Expelled from the testes Released from the ovary

Rate of production Millions of sperm daily One egg per month

Mobility Motile Non-motile

Nuclear condensation Occurs in sperm Not observed in the egg

Food and metabolite Little food storage Large amounts of storage

storage

Hormonal regulation Primarily regulated by FSH Primarily regulated by FSH

and LH

Outcome Production of multiple Production of one mature

sperms egg

Genetic contribution Half of the chromosomes All of the chromosomes

Di!erences between Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

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Fertilization Process in Humans

Discover the amazing process of fertilization in humans, from the union of gametes
to the formation of a zygote, in this informative article.

The Science Notes 0

Fertilization Process in Humans

REFERENCES:

1. Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition. New York:
Garland Science; 2002. Gametogenesis: Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis. Available
from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26833/

2. Langman J, Sadler TW. Langman’s Medical Embryology. 14th edition. Philadelphia: Wolters
Kluwer; 2019.

3. Moore KL, Persaud TVN, Torchia MG. Before We Are Born: Essentials of Embryology and
Birth Defects. 10th edition. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2015.

4. Maton A, Hopkins JJ, LaHart S, et al. Human Biology and Health. Englewood Cli"s: Prentice
Hall; 1993.

5. Moore KL, Persaud TVN. The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology. 10th
edition. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2015.

6. Nussbaum RL, McInnes RR, Willard HF. Thompson & Thompson Genetics in Medicine. 8th
edition. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2015.
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 7. Sadler TW. Langman’s Medical Embryology. 13th edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins; 2015.

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# Category: Reproductive Biology $ Tag: Cell division, Chromosome reduction, Di!erences, Diploid
precursor cells, Gametogenesis, Germ line, Haploid gametes, Male and female gametes, meiosis, mitosis,
Oogenesis, Process, Reproductive system, Sexual reproduction, Spermatogenesis % Leave a
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 Binod G C
I'm Binod G C (MSc), a PhD candidate in cell and molecular biology who works as a biology educator and
enjoys scientific blogging. My proclivity for blogging is intended to make notes and study materials more
accessible to students. View all posts by Binod G C

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