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1 Gametogenesis

Gametogenesis is the process by which haploid gametes are formed through cell division and differentiation in the gonads. It occurs in four phases: primordial germ cells originate outside the gonads, germ cells proliferate by mitosis, meiosis occurs, and the ova and sperm undergo structural and functional maturation. In males, spermatogenesis occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, producing millions of sperm per minute from puberty to old age. Sertoli cells within the testes nourish and support developing sperm and form a blood-testes barrier, playing a key role in male sexual differentiation and development.

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95 views10 pages

1 Gametogenesis

Gametogenesis is the process by which haploid gametes are formed through cell division and differentiation in the gonads. It occurs in four phases: primordial germ cells originate outside the gonads, germ cells proliferate by mitosis, meiosis occurs, and the ova and sperm undergo structural and functional maturation. In males, spermatogenesis occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, producing millions of sperm per minute from puberty to old age. Sertoli cells within the testes nourish and support developing sperm and form a blood-testes barrier, playing a key role in male sexual differentiation and development.

Uploaded by

Puja Sasirekha
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Definition

Gametogenesis is a process by which diploid or haploid


cells undergo cell division and differentiation to form
mature haploid gametes

• Process of formation of gametes


• Occurs in gonads (ovary or testis)
• Occurs by meiotic division of diploid gametocytes into several
gametes or by mitotic division of haploid gametogenous cells
• The existence of a multicellular, haploid phase in the life cycle
between meiosis and gametogenesis is also referred to as
‘alternation of generations’
4 phases

Gametogenesis is divided into following 4


phases:
1. Extra-gonadal origin of primordial germ cells
2. Proliferation of germ cells by mitosis
3. Followed by meiosis
4. Structural and functional maturation of the
ova and spermatozoa
Gonial cells
• Before entering the meiotic division the germ
cells are termed as ‘gonial cells’
• They replicate mitotically
• Genetically identical to the original zygote
• When they begin meiosis, they are called
spermatocytes and oocytes
Spermatogenesis
• Formation of male gamete or sperm
• Occurs in seminiferous tubules of the testis
• Occurs from puberty to old age
• Produces immense numbers of spermatozoa at an
average rate of 15 million sperm per minute
• The sperm will mature in the epididymis
Sertoli cells
• Nourished by sertoli cells for upto 10 weeks
• Sertoli cells are supporting cell with many functions
– Formation of blood-testis barrier preventing direct entry of
nutrients and circulating substances from blood to the germ
cells
– Determine which cells reach the germ cells
– Spermatogonia are outside this barrier
– Produce androgen-binding proteins essential for
spermiogenesis
(Spermiogenesis: morphological development of spermatids to
spermatozoa)
Sertoli cells
• Sertoli cells play a central role in the sexual differentiation of
human embryos, which takes place 6 weeks after fertilization.
• Sertoli cells develop in response to a signal from a gene on
the Y chromosome and initiate the development of testes in
male embryos.
• They also secrete a hormone called the Anti-Mullerian
Hormone (AMH), which suppresses the development of
female sex organs and germ cells.
• Leydig cells (another specialized cell of the testes) secrete
testosterone, which supports the development of male sexual
organs.
• Therefore, both Sertoli cells and Leydig cells are vital for male
embryonic development.
Sertoli cell structure
Sertoli Cells and the Blood-testes Barrier
Spermatogenesis

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