Gametogenesis, Genetics, and Density

Flashcards about gametogenesis, genetics, and density.

Gametogenesis

The process in which cells undergo Meiosis to produce mature haploid (n) gametes.

Spermatogenesis

The process of male gamete formation, occurring in the wall of the seminiferous tubule.

Oogenesis

The process of female gamete formation, starting with a germline cell called an oogonium.

Haploid (n)

Having a single set of chromosomes.

Diploid (2n)

Having two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.

Spermatogonia

Germ line cells that undergo mitosis in spermatogenesis.

Primary Spermatocyte

A spermatogonium that has replicated its chromosomes and is ready to undergo meiosis.

Secondary Spermatocyte

The product of Meiosis I in spermatogenesis; undergo Meiosis II to form spermatids.

Spermatid

Haploid daughter cells formed after meiosis II in spermatogenesis; differentiate into spermatozoa.

Spermatozoa

A mature sperm cell formed after spermatids undergo differentiation.

Acrosome

A structure at the head of a sperm that contains a nucleus.

Oogonium

A germline cell that undergoes mitosis to start oogenesis.

Primary Oocyte

The cell that begins meiosis in oogenesis, arrested in the prophase stage.

Secondary Oocyte

A cell produced after the primary oocyte completes Meiosis I in oogenesis.

First Polar Body

A small cell produced during oogenesis that contains less cytoplasm.

Ootid

A cell that differentiates into an ovum (egg cell) after the secondary oocyte divides.

Ovum

A mature female gamete (egg cell) ready for fertilization.

Second Polar Body

A cell with less cytoplasm produces during meiosis II in oogenesis that will eventually disintegrate.

Zygote

A diploid cell resulting from the fusion of two haploid gametes; a fertilized ovum.

Sex Determination

The mechanism by which the sex of an organism is established.

Nondisjunction

The failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate during meiosis.

Sex-Linked Genetic Disorder

A disorder caused by or linked to a gene(s) located on the sex chromosomes.

Trisomy 21

Also known as Down Syndrome.

Trisomy 18

Also known as Edward’s Syndrome.

Density

Describes how much space an object or substance takes up in relation to the amount of matter in that object.

Low Density

Particles are loosely packed together with plenty of space between them.

High Density

Particles are tightly packed together with no or very little space between them.

Seminiferous Tubules

Specific location in the testes where spermatogenesis occurs.

Prophase I Arrest

The stage at which primary oocytes are arrested before puberty.

X Chromosome

All egg cells carry this chromosome.

Y Chromosome

Present in 50% of sperm cells.

Meiosis I

The first meiotic division in gametogenesis.

Meiosis II

The second meiotic division in gametogenesis.