Bio 3201 UNIT 1A pt 2

Spermatogenesis

The process of male gamete production starting with spermatogonia and ending with the formation of mature sperm.

Oogenesis

The process of female gamete production starting with oogonium and ending with the formation of a mature egg.

Sperm cell

Male gamete characterized by an oval head, cylindrical middle piece with mitochondria, and an extended tail for movement.

Ovum (egg)

Female gamete characterized by a large size, containing a vast amount of cytoplasm with mitochondria, and encased in a thick membrane.

Acrosome

A cap-like structure on the head of a sperm cell containing enzymes necessary to penetrate the protective layer of the egg.

Asymmetrical cytokinesis

Unequal division of cytoplasm during oogenesis resulting in the formation of a secondary oocyte and polar bodies.

Reproductive Strategies

Sexual reproduction involving meiosis and fertilization for genetic diversity, contrasting with asexual reproduction in prokaryotes and other organisms.

Binary fission

Asexual reproduction method in prokaryotes where a cell divides into two genetically identical cells.

Budding

A form of asexual reproduction where a miniature version of the parent grows out and separates to form a new organism.

Parthenogenesis

A type of asexual reproduction where an unfertilized egg develops into an adult, seen in organisms like honeybees and whiptail lizards.