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Development of Animal Gametes definitions

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  • Gametogenesis
    Developmental process producing male and female gametes through distinct cellular divisions and maturation steps.
  • Spermatogenesis
    Sequence in testes yielding four motile sperm from diploid germ cells via mitosis, meiosis, and maturation.
  • Oogenesis
    Ovarian process forming one large egg and polar bodies, with developmental pauses and unequal cytoplasmic division.
  • Primordial Germ Cell
    Diploid precursor in gonads acting as a stem cell source for gamete formation in both sexes.
  • Spermatogonium
    Mitotically active diploid cell in testes, derived from germ cells, initiating sperm development.
  • Primary Spermatocyte
    Diploid cell in spermatogenesis entering meiosis I to generate haploid secondary spermatocytes.
  • Secondary Spermatocyte
    Haploid cell formed after meiosis I in males, proceeding to meiosis II to produce spermatids.
  • Spermatid
    Immature, non-motile haploid cell lacking a tail and acrosome, precursor to mature sperm.
  • Spermiogenesis
    Maturation phase transforming spermatids into motile sperm with tails and acrosomes.
  • Oogonium
    Mitotically dividing diploid cell in ovaries, giving rise to primary oocytes before birth.
  • Primary Oocyte
    Diploid cell arrested in prophase I from before birth until ovulation, source of secondary oocyte.
  • Secondary Oocyte
    Large haploid cell produced at ovulation, completing meiosis II only upon fertilization.
  • Polar Body
    Small, haploid byproduct of oogenesis, containing minimal cytoplasm and destined for degradation.
  • Ovum
    Mature, nutrient-rich haploid female gamete, largest human cell, formed after fertilization.
  • Acrosome
    Cap-like structure on sperm head containing enzymes essential for penetrating the egg.