Spermatogenesis and oogenesis

Spermatogenesis and oogenesis are the processes under which the formation, growth, and maturation of male and female sex cells occurs, respectively. Both these phenomena have many similarities in common. But, despite this, there are differences. Let's take a closer look at the features of spermatogenesis and oogenesis and characterize them.

What are the similarities of oogenesis and spermatogenesis?

First, it should be noted that both process data have the same stages. Consider them in order:

  1. Reproduction stage. At this stage, the primary cells of spermatogonia and oogonia begin to actively divide by mitosis. It should be noted this feature of this stage: in men, reproduction of sex cells occurs throughout life (from the moment of maturity ), and in women this stage proceeds at the stage of embryonic development (2-5 months of development of the fetus).
  2. Stage of growth. There is a strong increase in sex cells in size. As a result, they turn into spermatocytes and oocytes of the 1st order. In this case, oocytes are larger in size because they accumulate more nutrients necessary for the development of the embryo after fertilization of the oocyte.
  3. Stage of maturation. Characterized by the passage of meiosis 1 and meiosis 2. As a result of the first division, spermatocytes and oocytes form 2 orders, and after the second - mature eggs and spermatids. It is necessary to say that one spermatocyte of 1 order after division gives 4 spermatids, and from an oocyte of 1 order only one egg and 3 polar corpuscles are formed.

What are the differences in oogenesis and spermatogenesis?

Carrying out a comparative characteristic of oogenesis and spermatogenesis, it is necessary to say that the main difference of these processes is the absence in the ovogenesis of the 4 stages of formation. It is only spermatids that undergo transformation into spermatozoa. The formation of these sex cells begins only with the onset of puberty in boys.

All the above laws of spermatogenesis and oogenesis have their biological meaning. Thus, for example, the uneven division of the sex cells during oogenesis promotes the formation of only one large egg with a supply of nutrients.

Also, the fact that spermatozoa are formed much more is due to the fact that when the egg is fertilized, only 1 male's sex cell reaches. The rest die on the way to the female ovum.

We offer you a visual diagram for a better understanding of the processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis, in which the main points of each of them are displayed.