Gametogenesis and Nondisjunction

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms related to gametogenesis, nondisjunction, and biological sex differentiation.

Gametogenesis

The process of creating sex cells, which includes oogenesis and spermatogenesis.

Spermatogenesis

The process of forming sperm cells, occurring in the testes of biological males, starting at puberty and continuing throughout life.

Oogenesis

The process of forming egg cells in ovaries, starting during development in utero and continuing until menopause.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half and is critical for the production of gametes.

Non-disjunction

The failure of chromosomes to separate properly during cell division, leading to an uneven distribution of chromosomes.

Aneuploidy

An abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell, resulting from non-disjunction.

Primary Oocytes

The germ cells in females that develop into eggs, present during utero development.

Polar Bodies

The non-functional gametes produced during oogenesis that receive minimal cytoplasm.

SRY Gene

The sex-determining region of the Y chromosome, which produces TDF to trigger male sex differentiation.

Meiosis I

The first division in meiosis where homologous chromosomes separate, but sister chromatids remain together.

Meiosis II

The second division in meiosis where sister chromatids are separated, leading to the formation of gametes.

Endometrial Cycle

The phase of the menstrual cycle that involves changes in the endometrium of the uterus.

Ovulation

The release of an oocyte from the ovary, marking the completion of meiosis I.

Fimbrae

Finger-like projections that help transport the oocyte to the fallopian tubes following ovulation.

Crossing Over

A process during prophase I of meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, increasing genetic diversity.

Genital Tubercle

An undifferentiated structure that can develop into male or female external genitalia.

Labioscrotal Swellings

Structures in undeveloped embryos that will differentiate into male or female external genitalia.

Internal Genital Differentiation

The development of reproductive internal structures based on the presence of male or female hormones.

What does gonadal sex become?

testes or ovaries

what does the Y chromosome contain

the SRY gene

What does the SRY Gene produce?

TDF 

What does TDF do?

Develops testes