Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis
The process by which gametes form is called Meiosis, and can be called gametogenesis, literally meaning “creation of gametes.” There are specific types of meiosis such as spermatogenesis and oogenesis. As a result of Spermatogenesis, sperm is formed, however oogenesis is the formation of egg cells, or ova. Both of these processes occur through meiosis, and are vital for reproduction. However there are a few specific distinction between the two.
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogonia are diploid cells that are found in tiny tubules in the male testes. Each of these diploid cells contain 46 single chromosome. The basic function of spermatogenesis is to turn each one o
f the diploid spermatogonia into four haploid sperm cells. This multiplying is accomplished through meiosis I. The spermatogonium’s 46 single chromosomes are replicated to form 46 pairs of sister chromatids, which then exchange genetic material through synapsis before the first meiotic division. In meiosis II the two diploid cells go througha second division to result in four cells containing a unique set of 23 single chromosomes. Each unique set of cells matures to become sperm cells. At puberty a male starts producing millions of sperm every single day for the rest of his life.
Oogenesis
Just like spermatogenesis, oogenesis involves the formation of haploid cells from an original diploid cell through meiosis. The diploid cells are called a primary oocyte. The female ovaries contain the primary oocytes. There are two major differences between the male and female
production of gametes. First of all, oogenesis only leads to the production of one final ovum, or egg cell, from each primary oocyte (in contrast to the four sperm that are generated from every spermatogonium). Of the four daughter cells that are produced when the primary oocyte divides meiotically, three come out much smaller than the fourth. These smaller cells, called polar bodies, eventually disintegrate, leaving only the larger ovum as the final product of oogenesis. The production of one egg cell via oogenesis normally occurs only once a month, from puberty to menopause. The second difference is that the woman is born with a non-increasing number of primary oocyte in her ovaries, howoever male constantly produce Spermatogonia.
