Beginning the Developmental Program: Gametogenesis
Comparing Oogenesis and Spermatogenesis
Only genetic information from Germ Cells can be passed to the next generation. [Wolpert Fig. 1.6]
Gamtes are produced by Meiosis [Wolpert Fig. 12.17]
Comparing Eggs (Ova) & Sperm
 Haploid
 Products of Meiosis
 Haploid
 Products of Meiosis
 Produced by female parent in ovary  Non-motile gamete  Large size
 Cytoplasm contains RNA and Protein, nutrients
 Produced by male parent in testis  Motile gamete -agellum  Small in comparison
 Minimal amt. Cytoplasm
Structure of a Human Sperm [Wolpert Fig. 12.21]
[Gilbert Fig. 7.3]
Spermatogenesis produces 4 haploid Gametes
[Wolpert Fig. 12.18]
Spermatogenesis takes place in the seminiferous tubules in the testis. [Gilbert Fig. 19.19]
Meiosis is initiated continuously in a mitotically dividing stem cell population (= spermatogonia).
Oogenesis vs. Spermatogenesis (Mammals)
 Germ Cells enter ovary
 Diploid oogonia multiply by mitotic divisions during embryogenesis  Enter prophase of Meiosis I before birth
 Germ Cells enter testis
 Arrest in G1 of cell cycle until after birth
 Further growth and development of primary oocyte delayed until puberty
 After birth, esp. after puberty, spermatogonia multiply by mitotic divisions
Oogenic Meiosis Oocytes in the human ovary completed the rst meiotic prophase before birth. Puberty induces completion of meiosis 1.  Each month, ovulation triggers development through metaphase of meiosis 2. Fertilization triggers completion of meiosis 2.
[Gilbert Fig. 19.30]
Graaan follicle in a mammalian ovary [Balinsky Fig. 21]
Follicle cells synthesize Estrogen. Estrogen stimulates liver to produce vitellogenin
Oogenesis produces 1 Ovum & 3 Polar Bodies [Wolpert Fig. 12.8]
Oogenesis vs. Spermatogenesis
 Growth and development  Differentiation occurs after occurs before completion completion of Meiosis 1 & of Meiosis 1 2  One ovum & 3 polar bodies  Four sperm are produced are produced from each from each primary primary oocyte spermatocyte
 Unequal cytokineses  Equal cytokineses
Regulation of Gametogenesis by hormones made in the Anterior Pituitary Gland FSH (= follicle stimulating hormone) LH (= Luteinizing hormone)
[Gilbert Fig. 19.30]
Oogenesis vs. Spermatogenesis
 Regulated by
 pituitary hormones: FSH and LH  Ovarian hormones: estrogen and progesterone
 Regulated by
 pituitary hormones: FSH and LH  Testicular hormones testosterone and androgen binding protein
Timing of Fertilization in relation to development of the oocyte [Wolpert Box 2A]
The Cycle Continues.
 The egg and the sperm will both die if they do not meet.  The elements that unite are single cells, each on the point of death; but by their union a rejuvenated individual is formed, which constitutes a link in the eternal process of life. Frank R. Lillie (1919)