Gametogenesis in Humans

Spermatogenesis vs. Oogenesis

 Gametogenesis
• The process whereby haploid gametes
(reproductive sex cells) are created.
• Spermatogenesis in males
• Oogenesis in females
 Spermatogenesis
• Spermatogenesis: The production of sperm
using meiosis
• Occur in the seminiferous tubules in the testes
in males
 Spermatogenesis
• (1) Spermatogonia are the result of many divisions of the
germinal/Germ-Line epithelial cells within the seminiferous tubules. They
are diploid (2n). They undergo mitosis to reproduce themselves.
• (2) One of these spermatogonia undergoes mitosis (increases in size), and
it is called a primary spermatocyte. It is diploid (2n).
• (3) The primary spermatocyte undergoes MEIOSIS I to produce two
secondary spermatocytes. These are now haploid (n) but still contain
two chromatids per chromosome
• (4) Each of these secondary spermatocytes undergoes MEIOSIS II to each
produce two spermatids. Spermatids are haploid (n) and each contain 1
chromosome that was previously a chromatid. The result is 4 total
spermatids.
• BETWEEN THESE DEVELOPING CELLS ARE SERTOLI CELLS (stretching from
the outer layer of the tubule to the lumen)
• (5) Spermatids mature into the sperm we know, and these sperm cells
are called spermatozoa. They are then ready to leave the body and
fertilize an egg!
1

5
 Function of Sertoli cells

1) It prevents the antibody producing cells in Extra cellular fluid

from reaching the tubular sperm factory, thus preventing the
formation of antibodies against the highly differentiated
spermatozoa.

2) It provides a mechanical support for seminiferous tubules.

3) It provides nutrition for the developing sperm

4) Sertoli cells have an important phagocytic function. They

engulf the cytoplasm extruded from the spermatids during
their remodeling and destroy defective germ cells that fail to
successfully complete all stages of spermatogenesis.
5) Sertoli cells secret fluid into the seminferous tubule
whichpushes and flushes the release sperm from tubule
into the epididymis for storage.
6) Sertoli cells secrete an androgen binding protein (ABP)
that binds testosterone thus maintaining a very high
level of this hormone which is essential spermatogenesis.
7) Sertoli cells secret inhibin to regulate FSH secretion.
Also Mullerian inhibitory factor during fetal life to
inhibit the formation of Fallopian tube from Mullerian
duct.
 Spermatogenesis

• SUMMARY of SPERMATOGENESIS:
– 4 haploid spermatozoa (mature sperm) are created
via meiosis from an original diploid
spermatogonium (germ line cell)
– Occurs in the testes in the seminiferous tubules
– The production of sperm is an ongoing process in
the seminiferous tubules
Parts of a sperm cell

Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

 Structure Of The Sperm
The Head
Has two important features.
1. The acrosome (derived from Golgi apparatus) contains
hydrolytic enzymes which are released when the sperm
reaches an ovum. These enzymes digest the outer membrane
of the egg (proteins and complex sugars) , allowing
penetration of the sperm.
2. The nucleus (haploid) contains a single set of chromosomes
derived from the male. This will include either an 'X' or 'Y'
chromosome, because of the way the XY separate during
meiosis.
 SPERM STRUCTURE
The Middle Section
• Behind the head, contains
numerous mitochondria. These
respire sugars in the semen to
generate ATP in order to provide
the energy for movement of the
tail.

The Tail
• (Flagellum) contains
microfilaments running the length
of the tail (arranged in the usual 9
+ 2 system seen in Eukaryotic
organisms). Rhythmic contraction
of the filaments causes the tail to
wave and move against the fluid
environment, providing forward
motion.
Hormones controlling Spermatogenesis
• Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
• Gonadotrophins
– Follicle Stimulating hormone (FSH)
– Luteinising hormone (LH)/Interstitial cell
Stimulating Hormone (ICSH)
• Testosterone (Leydig cells-interstitial cells of
the testis)
• Inhibin
Hormonal Feedback and the Regulation of the Male
Reproductive Function
Hormonal control of spermatogenesis

Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

 Hormonal control of testes
– At puberty, secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
increases
– Stimulates anterior pituitary to increase secretion of luteinizing
hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
– LH stimulates Leydig cells to secrete testosterone
• Synthesized from cholesterol mainly in testes
• Suppresses secretion of LH and GnRH via negative feedback
• Enzyme 5 alpha-reductase converts testosterone into
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in external genitals and prostate
– FSH acts indirectly on spermatogenesis
• FSH and testosterone act on Sertoli cells to stimulate
secretion of androgen-binding protein (ABP)
• ABP binds testosterone keeping concentration high
• Testosterone stimulates spermatogenesis
• Sertoli cells release inhibin which inhibits FSH
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
 Hormonal Control of
Spermatogenesis
• Spermatogenesis is controlled by the
hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland
working together .
• The hypothalamus is part of the brain and the
pituitary gland is just below it.
• The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-
releasing hormone which travels in a special
vein from the hypothalamus to the pituitary
gland.
 Hormonal Control of
Spermatogenesis
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone in turn stimulates
the anterior pituitary gland to secrete hormones
known as gonadotrophins.
• These are hormones that stimulate gonads - in this
case the testes.
• The two gonadotrophins are Follicle-stimulating
hormone and Luteinizing hormone.
• The same two hormones are also secreted in
females- they are glycoproteins.
 Hormonal Control of
Spermatogenesis
• Follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates
spermatogenesis by stimulating Sertoli cells to
complete the development of spermatozoans
from spermatids.
• Luteinizing hormone stimulates the synthesis
of the hormone testosterone by the Leydig
cells also called interstitial cells of the testes it
is therefore known as Interstitial cell
stimulating hormone.
 Hormonal Control of
Spermatogenesis
• In the male, testosterone is a steroid hormone
and it's made from cholesterol.
• Testosterone stimulates growth and development
of the germinal epithelial cells that forms sperm
and also works with follicle-stimulating hormone
to stimulate the Sertoli cells.
 NEGATIVE FEEDBACK
• The Secretion of hormones is carefully
regulated/controlled so that the concentration
in the blood stays within certain limits and
does not keep increasing.
• Achieved by the principle of NEGATIVE
FEEDBACK.
 Hormonal Control of Spermatogenesis
(Negative feedback mechanism)
• A negative feedback mechanism operates
whereby an increasing the level of testosterone
results in a decrease in the secretion of
gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the
hypothalamus this in turn returns in declining
levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-
stimulating hormone.
• Testosterone is thought to also direct the
anterior pituitary gland to reduce luteinizing
hormone secretion but this effect is weaker.
 Hormonal Control of Spermatogenesis
(Negative feedback mechanism)
• The Sertoli cells secrete another glycoprotein
hormone called Inhibin which is involved in
the negative feedback control of sperm
production.
• If spermatogenesis proceeds too rapidly
Inhibin is released. Its target is the anterior
pituitary gland where it reduces secretion of
follicle stimulating hormone
 Hormonal Control of Spermatogenesis
(Negative feedback mechanism)
• Inhibin may also have a slight effect on the
hypothalamus, reducing gonadotrophin-
releasing hormone secretion.
• When the rate of spermatogenesis is low
inhibin is not secreted and follicle-stimulating
hormone stimulates spermatogenesis.
Hormonal Control of
Spermatogenesis
 Hormonal Regulation
1. GnRH released
2. GnRH to pituitary cells
3. FSH and ABP
4. LH binding to
interstitial cells
5. Testosterone levels rise
6. Testosterone enters
the blood stream
7. Testosterone
‘feedback’
8. Inhibin
OOGENESIS
 Oogenesis
• Oogenesis: creation of haploid egg cells using
meiosis
• Occurs in the ovaries of females
 Oogenesis
• Follicles in the ovaries are structures that
contain primary oocytes. The germ line cells,
oogonia, produced all of the primary oocytes
while the fetus was developing. Therefore,
when a baby female is born all of her follicles
contain primary oocytes! They stay this way
unless they undergo ovulation.
• Females are born with 1 million follicles in
their ovaries!
 Oogenesis
• The primary oocytes that are diploid (2n) are arrested
(paused) at Prophase I of Meiosis I.
• When a female undergoes ovulation once a month, one of
these follicles with the primary oocyte matures. It fully
undergoes Meiosis I and results in two different structures:
– ONE haploid (n) secondary oocyte. It contains half the number
of chromosomes but still has sister chromatids.
– ONE haploid (n) structure called a polar body!
• The polar body does not go on to become an egg. Through
UNEQUAL CYTOKINESIS, the secondary oocyte gets most of
the cytoplasm and the polar body is left with little
cytoplasm. Why do you think this occurs?
Oogenesis
 Oogenesis
• After Meiosis I occurs, the secondary oocyte that
is haploid (n) is arrested (paused) at Metaphase II
of Meiosis II. It stays in this state until
FERTILIZATION!
• Once fertilization occurs, the secondary oocyte
undergoes Meiosis II and the result again is two
separate structure:
– ONE haploid ovum (egg)
– ONE polar body!
• The other polar body from the previous step
contained chromatids, so it also undergoes
Meiosis II and produces TWO polar bodies.
Oogenesis
 Steps of Oogenesis
• Primordial Follicles:
During fetal development,
oogonia develop from mitosis
of Oogonium stem cells.
• These cells start through
meiosis, however, meiosis is
stopped at prophase meiosis
I.
• In adult ovaries, primordial
follicles contain a primary
oocyte.
 Steps of Oogenesis

• Primordial Follicles:
Arrows indicate a
primordial follicle
 Steps of Oogenesis

• Primary follicle: After

puberty, due to
increasing levels of FSH,
primary follicular cells
enlarge and begin
secreting estrogen. In
humans, the estrogen
inhibits other follicles and
their primary oocyte from
developing.
 Steps of Oogenesis

• Secondary Follicle: The

diploid primary oocyte
undergoes meiosis I and
gives rise to one haploid
secondary oocyte and
one polar body. Several
primary oocytes within
several secondary
follicles may start this
process but usually only
one completes the
process.
 Steps of Oogenesis

• Graafian follicle: contains

a haploid secondary
oocyte and the first polar
body. Due to a surge of
LH, the secondary oocyte
is ovulated before
meiosis II occurs.
 Steps of Oogenesis

• The Ovum forms from

meiosis II after a sperm
cell has contacted the
secondary oocyte.

• In the picture, you can

see sperm cells
surrounding the oocyte
and both polar bodies
indicating meiosis II has
occurred.
Review of
Oogenesis
 Formation of the Corpus Luteum

• After ovulation, the

follicular cells implode
forming the Corpus
Luteum.
• The Corpus Luteum
produces high amount of
progesterone and smaller
amounts of estrogen,
relaxin and inhibin.
 Oogenesis
• SUMMARY of OOGENESIS:
– Results in three POLAR BODIES and one OVUM
(egg) that has extra cytoplasm
– Meiosis I occurs during ovulation
– Meiosis II occurs after fertilization
– Occurs in the ovaries (and fallopian tubes for
meiosis II) in females
 Hormonal control of Oogenesis &
the Menstrual Cycle
• In women there is an approximately 28-day
cycle, the menstrual cycle, of activity in the
ovaries and uterus, in contrast to the steady
production of sperm that occurs in men.
 Hormonal control of Oogenesis &
the Menstrual Cycle
• The menstrual cycle usually begins between
the ages of 10 and 14 ,and continues until the
woman reaches the menopause at around 50
years old .
• The hormones that control spermatogenesis
in men also control the production of eggs in
women .
• Do you remember them????
 Hormonal control of Oogenesis &
the Menstrual Cycle
• GnRH stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to
secrete FSH, which travels in the blood to its
target- the ovaries.
• FSH molecules fit into receptor sites in the
primordial follicles. They stimulate the
development of several follicles, only one of
which will complete development.
• The granulosa/thecal cells of the developing
follicle start to produce the female sex hormone
oestrogen, which targets the uterus and the
anterior pituitary gland.
 Hormonal control of Oogenesis &
the Menstrual Cycle
• The cycle is considered to begin with the onset of
menstruation. Menstruation usually last for about 4 to
8 days . During this time, the anterior pituitary gland
secretes Luteinizing hormone and Follicle-stimulating
hormone ,and their levels increase over the next few
days .
• In the ovary, one follicle becomes the dominant one.
The presence of luteinizing hormone and follicle-
stimulating hormone stimulates it to secrete estrogen
from the theca surrounding the follicle.
 Hormonal control of Oogenesis &
the Menstrual Cycle
• The presence of estrogen in the blood has a
negative feedback effect on the production of
luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating
hormone, so the levels of these two hormones
fall.
 Hormonal control of Oogenesis &
the Menstrual Cycle
• The estrogen stimulates the endometrium (lining
of the uterus) to proliferate- that is, to thicken and
develop numerous blood capillaries.
• When the estrogen concentration of the blood
has reached a level of around twice to four times
its level at the beginning of the cycle, it stimulates
a surge in the secretion of luteinizing hormone
and to a lesser extent of follicle stimulating
hormone.
 Hormonal control of Oogenesis &
the Menstrual Cycle
• The surge of luteinizing hormone causes the dominant
follicle to burst and to shed its secondary oocyte into
the oviduct.
• This usually happens about 14 to 36 hours after the
luteinizing hormone surge.
• The follicle then collapses to form the corpus luteum
also known as yellow body formed from granulosa
cells which secretes progesterone.
• This maintains the lining of the uterus making it ready
to receive the embryo if fertilization occurs.
The Hormonal Regulation of Ovarian Activity
Hormonal control of Oogenesis & the
Menstrual Cycle
• If fertilization does not occur the corpus luteum
degenerates and so the secretion of progesterone
and estrogen falls.
• As the levels of these hormones plummet ,the
endometrium breaks down and menstruation occurs.
• The drop in the level of these hormones also
removes the inhibitory effect on the secretion of
luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating
hormone, so the levels of these hormones begin to
rise again and the cycle begins once more.
 Hormonal control of Oogenesis
• So as in men, there is a negative feedback cycle
involving interaction between the hormones
secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and those
secreted by the reproductive organs.
• But this cycle also has a positive feedback stage
involved in it. This happens because, whereas lower
levels of oestrogen inhibit the secretion of luteinizing
hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, very high
levels simulated it.
• This is why the surge of luteinizing hormone and
follicle-stimulating hormone happens around day 12
of the cycle.
Spermatogenesis vs. Oogenesis
 2˚Oocyte vs. Ovum
• Secondary oocyte is the cell that is released
from the ovary which has not completed
meiosis.
• Fertilization stimulates the completion of
meiosis II followed by an unequal cytokinesis
to form the tiny second polar body and the
much larger ovum.
• The cell is called an ovum even though it has
the sperm pronucleus inside of it.
Reproductive cells in Humans
EGG CELL
• The production of eggs in females begins before
birth.
• Women are born with a specific and limited
quantity of eggs. Usually one to two million.
• In humans, the egg cell is the largest cell.
• It is visible to naked eye, it is about 0.1mm in size in
humans.
•It is produced in the OVARY and eventually released
into the fallopian tube during OVULATION.
•It is consist of protoplasm surrounded by a thin cell
membrane.

•It may also have a non-cellular covering called

ZONAPELLUCIDA.

•Within the large nucleus with a nucleolus

The cell is haploid so that when a sperm cell fertilizes
it, it forms a DIPLOID ZYGOTE.
•The ovum is fertilized inside the female body, and the
embryo then develops inside the uterus, receiving
nutrition directly from the mother.

•The human egg cell grow from primitive germ cells

that are embedded in the substance of the ovaries.
•Each of them divided repeatedly to give rise to
several smaller cells, the OOGONIA.

•The oogonia develop into the ova, the PRIMARY

OOCYTES.
 Structure of a secondary oocyte

•It has many lysosomes (cortical granules).

•Lipid droplets for food reserved.

•Microvilli found all around the surface, they absorb
nutrients from the follicle cells.
•Zona pellucida, jelly like coat secreted by the
granulosa cells.
•It has first polar body.
•Cytoplasm.
•Nucleolus.
•Nucleus.
 OOCYTE FUNCTION
• To provide a haploid nucleus with a set of
maternal chromosomes.
• Increase Genetic variation.
• Provide energy supply for the developing
embryo.
 Adaptation of egg cells to its function.

•It has lots of cytoplasm, to support the many

divisions that it undergoes and the second adaptation
when a sperm cell interacts With it, the cell
membrane changes immediately, to become
impenetrable to any other sperm cells.

•Also it contains cytoplasm to survive on for the

couple of hours it takes the egg cell to reach the
womb.
 Adaptation of egg cells to its function.
•The egg cell is much bigger than the sperm and has a
chemical around the out side to stop more sperm
getting in.

•Egg is large to contain food store for embryo.

•It is haploid, has a single set of chromosomes. This

ensures the uniqueness.
 Adaptation of egg cells to its function.

•Egg cell is thin enough to let the pointy headed

sperm inside itself and with that it reproduces to
create children.

•The egg can grown along with the baby and it can
just feed the baby and look after the baby.

•The egg cell is also big round and it looks like a big
bird nest.
Coloured image of a 6 day old human implanting

* Nafly Hussain*
Human embryo and sperm

* Nafly Hussain*
No of sperm trying to fertilize an egg

* Nafly Hussain*
SPERM CELL
 Structure

•It is the male reproductive cell.

•The sperm cell has a head a body and a tail.
•The head contains the 23 chromosomes.
•The body contains mitochondria.
•The tail is what enables it to swim up the females
cervix and fallopian tube(s) to her egg.
 Lifespan

•Sperm swim in and are nourished in the semen.

•Once inside the fallopian tube(s) they have a life
span of about 5 days.
•This means they can be in the fallopian tube for 5
days in advance of ovulation and still fertilize the
egg. The egg, unfertilized, has a life span of only
about 24 hours.
•In the vagina, they die in only a few hours.
•In the open air, they die rapidly.
 Temperature Requirements

•To develop, they need a temperature of about 3-5

degrees (Fahrenheit) below the rest of the body.
•That is why the testicles hang (in the scrotum)
outside the body.
•The scrotum has a built in thermostat.
 Motility and Pregnancy

•Once inside the woman, they swim from the vagina,

to the cervix, to the fallopian tubes.
•The egg is fertilized in the fallopian tubes.
•If they don't make it to the egg, there is no
fertilization and no baby.
 Chromosomes

• Unlike every cell of the male body, which has 46

chromosomes (in 23 pairs), these cells have only 23
(not in pairs).
• The same is true for the female eggs.
• When a sperm and an egg combine they once
again form a perfect cell with 46 chromosomes in
23 pairs.
• This one cell now has all the information (DNA)
necessary to produce a complete human being.
The combined DNA now has all the information of
the physical characteristics of both parents.
 SPERM FUNCTION
• To deliver a haploid nucleus , with a set of
paternal chromosomes, to the female gamete.
• Restore the diploid number
• To increase the genetic variation.
• To stimulate meiosis II in the secondary
oocyte.
• Determine the gender of the next generation.
 Adaptation of sperm cells to its function.

• A sperm cell has a long tail to help it swim to the

egg.
• mid- piece which contains large amount of
mitochondria to release energy needed to make the
tail move.
• The head of the sperm also contain enzymes to
break down and digest the zona pellucida of the egg
so that it can fertilize it.
 Adaptation of sperm cells to its function.

• They also have a pointed front end so they are able

to penetrate the egg.

• The also have half genetic information inside them

so that they can swim to the egg and complete the
full genetic information which makes the baby.
 References
• Biology Textbook
• Images:
• http://faculty.southwest.tn.edu/rburkett/A&P2_r7.jpg
• http://bio1152.nicerweb.com/Locked/media/ch46/46_12Spermatogenesis.jpg
• http://bio1151.nicerweb.com/doc/class/bio1152/Locked/media/ch46/46_12Testis.jp
g
• http://www.northland.cc.mn.us/biology/ap2online/ap2lab/lab10/images/sperm.jpg
• http://bohone.wikispaces.com/file/view/ovary.jpg/31077243/ovary.jpg
• http://www.mun.ca/biology/desmid/brian/BIOL2060/BIOL2060-20/2009.jpg
• http://mac122.icu.ac.jp/biobk/oogenesis.jpg
• http://www.colorado.edu/intphys/iphy4480tsai/oogenesis.jpg