Trace sperm production through meiosis and differentiation, then compare equal spermatogenic divisions with unequal oogenic cytokinesis in IB Biology HL D3.1.14.
Cell biologists play an important role in research into disease, fertility, evolution and many other areas of science.
Compare and contrast the processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis.
| Oogenesis | Spermatogenesis |
|---|---|
| in the ovaries | in the testes |
| starts «in germinal epithelium» during embryo/fetus development | starts during puberty/adolescence OR continuously starting «in germinal epithelium» |
| pauses occur in prophase I/prophase II/metaphase II | no pauses |
| large quantity of cytoplasm in egg / cytoplasm split unequally | small quantity of cytoplasm per sperm / equal division of cytoplasm |
| one cell/egg «per meiosis» OR some become polar bodies | four sperm «per meiosis» OR all cells become sperm |
| one «usually» at a time/per month/per menstrual cycle | many/far more/millions daily |
| released on about Day 14/in middle of menstrual cycle/at ovulation | released continuously «from testis» OR by ejaculation/intercourse |
| stops at menopause | goes on throughout adult life/until death |