SPERMATOGENESIS

Spermatogenic cycle
The following is an example of how the number of spermatozoa is increased by repetitive mitotic divisions of
spermatogonial cells followed by the two meiotic divisions. There are actually more than 4 types of spermatogonia,
so the actual number of mature spermatozoa originating from the initial division of a type A1 spermatogonium is
actually greater than 96.

A1

24 primary spermatocytes

Mitosis

Meiosis I

2A1

48 secondary spermatocytes

Mitosis

A1

3A2

Reductional division

Meiosis II
Mitosis

Equational division

96 spermatids

Mitosis

6B1
Mitosis

Spermiogenesis
= Spermateleosis
= Spermatozoan metamorphosis

12B2
The maturing spermatids remain
attached by cytoplasmic bridges
as they mature
=> syncytium

96 mature spermatozoa

First meiotic division lasts

several weeks in humans

Second meiotic division takes

about 8 hours in humans
An entire spermatogenic cycle in
humans takes about 64 days.

Lets think about meiosis:

1. Where did the chromosomes come from?
2. Why are there pairs of chromosomes?
3. How must the chromosomes segregate if
youre going to have sexual reproduction?
What do you have to end up with in he
gametes?
4. How would you accomplish this in two
divisions?

CHROMOSOME TERMINOLOGY

Single Chromosome
Monad
Homologous
Gene Loci

Replication

Replicated Chromosome
Dyad - Two Chromatids

II

XX

Replication

Homologous Pair

Replicated
Homologous Pair
Synapsis

Tetrad = Two Synapsed replicated

Homologues

Replicated
Homologous
Gene Loci

Genetic content vs Chromosome number

Diploid genetic content - 2n - the 2

represents the fact that each gene locus
can contain a maximum of 2 different gene
alleles (e.g., one dominant and one
recessive). n is the total number of
homologous gene loci in the genome (a
very big number).

Diploid chromosome number - 2c - the 2

represents the fact that there are 2
chromosomes in each homologous pair.
c is the total number of homologous pairs
of chromosomes.

Meiosis
Genetic Content (n) and Chromosome Number (c)

Turn off pic-in-pic

First meiotic prophase:

Leptotene
Chromosomes start to condense, dyads (replicated chromosomes) of homologous
pairs first become visible as linear strings of DNA

Zygotene
Chromosomes condense further. Dyads of homologous pairs of chromosomes pair-up
and their chromatids start to undergo synapsis.

Pachytene
Synapsis is completed with synapsed chromosomes forming tetrads. Cross-over
takes place. Synapsed chromosomes thicken up (pachy - thick).

Diplotene
Chromosomes condense further, Desynapsis begins. Chromatids of homologous
pairs of chromosomes remain connected at chiasmata where cross-over may have
occurred.

Diakinesis
Chromosomes condense even further. Separating tetrads form strange shapes like
crosses, fish, infinity signs as chiasmata move toward the ends of the paired
chromatids of the homologous chromosomes (called terminalization). Eventually
desynapsis is completed and the homologues separate from one and other
completely and metaphase begins.

Spermatogenesis in an
Invertebrate - grasshopper

Spermatogenesis in Vertebrates
Figure on Page 89 of your text

Spermatogenesis in Vertebrates
Figure of rat testis in digital lab
manual

Spermatogenesis in Vertebrates
Figure of human testis in digital
lab manual

Spermiogenesis
1.

Nucleus condenses (chromosomes

condense and nuclear sap is removed)

2.

Flagellum develops

3.

Spermatocyte elongates

4.

Acrosome formed from golgi body

5.

Mitochondria aggregate around base of

forming flagellum

6.

Mitochondria fuse to form

supermitochondrion (in humans)

7.

Most of cytoplasm is shed and phagocytosed

by sertoli cell (tubulobulbar processes)

1.

Nucleus condenses (chromosomes

condense and nuclear sap is removed)

2.

Flagellum develops

3.

Spermatocyte elongates

4.

Acrosome formed from golgi body

5.

Mitochondria aggregate around base of

forming flagellum

6.

Mitochondria fuse to form

supermitochondrion (in humans)

7.

Most of cytoplasm is shed and phagocytosed

by sertoli cell (tubulobulbar processes)

Sertoli cell function

1.

Remove excess cytoplasm from developing

spermatid - tubulobulbar processes

2.

Move spermatids toward the lumen of the

seminiferous tubules - ectoplasmic specializations

3.

Nurture and mediate maturation of spermatids

4.

Segregate groups of developing gametes

5.

Secrete fluid to transport sperm in reproductive

tract

6.

Secrete hormones and other factors

a.

Embryonic - anti-mullarian hormone

b.

Adult

(1) inhibin (inhibits FSH production)

(2) estrogen - may act to inhibit GnRH production by
basal hypothalamus
(3) Other factor (not a hormone) - androgen binding
protein (helps transport androgens from interstitial
fluid into seminiferous tubule - promotes
spermatogenesis)
http://education.vetmed.vt.edu/Curriculum/VM8054/Labs/Lab27/EXAMPLES/EXSERTOL.HTM