Compare and contrast the processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis
What will be an ideal response?
Both spermatogenesis and oogenesis are types of gametogenesis, or gamete production.
Spermatogenesis (sperm production) occurs in males in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, while
oogenesis (egg formation) occurs in the ovaries of females. The two processes involve early mitotic
and late meiotic divisions. Spermatogenesis and oogenesis differ in many respects. These include the
following: 1) Spermatogenesis begins at puberty and continuous throughout the male's lifetime.
Oogenesis, on the other hand, begins during embryonic development and stops at menopause. 2) While
spermatogenesis is a continuous uninterrupted process, oogenesis undergoes two long "pauses" (one in
meiosis I and the other in meiosis II). Indeed, oogenesis is not completed until fertilization occurs. 3)
Spermatogenesis involves equal cytoplasmic divisions that result in four equivalent and functional
gametes. Oogenesis results in one large functional gamete and up to three very small nonfunctional
polar bodies. 4) Spermatogenesis results in the production of about 130 million sperm per day.
Oogenesis, on the other hand, produces an average of one egg per month!
You might also like to view...
At what point in development is a human embryo considered to be a fetus?
a. 2 weeks b. 4 weeks c. 8 weeks d. 10 weeks e. 12 weeks
Which of the following is dependent on the ability of water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with other molecules besides water?
A) the evaporative cooling of skin surfaces B) the milder temperatures of coastal regions compared to inland areas C) the ability of certain insects to walk on the surface of water D) the universality of water as a solvent
To detect whether or not a cell has a specific region of a gene, researchers add radioactively labeled DNA molecules that can bind to their complementary DNA sequences. To detect a mutant version of the BLM gene, researchers added the radioactive DNA
molecule 5' - GCTAGCTAAGCCCA - 3' to cells. What DNA sequence were the researchers trying to detect? A) 5? - GCTAGCTAAGCCCA - 3' B) 3? - GCTAGCTAAGCCCA - 5' C) 5? - CGATCGATTCGGGT - 3' D) 3? - CGATCGATTCGGGT - 5'
You find a sick plant in an arid environment. After studying it, you believe it is specifically defective in C4 photosynthesis. What nutrient might this plant be lacking?
A. molybdenum B. sulfur C. nickel D. copper E. sodium