Differentiate the processes of oogenesis and spermatogenesis

Differentiate the processes of oogenesis and spermatogenesis. Are there similarities between the two processes? Differences? Consider the cells, their structures and functions.

Solution

Comparison between Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

Characteristics

Spermatogenesis

Oogenesis

Definition

The process of formation of sperm cells is called spermatogenesis

Formation of ovum is called oogenesis

Primary organ

Testis (in males)

Ovary (in females)

The source cell/ structure that undergoes gametogenesis

Spermatogonium

Primordial follicle

Source cell is preserved

Yes, Spermatogonium is a stem cell.

No

Type of cell division

Meiosis

Meiosis

Onset of gametogenesis

At puberty. Both meiosis I and II in spermatogonium begin at onset of puberty.

During embryonic development.

Meiosis I begins in fetal ovary. Meiosis II completes after onset of puberty in reproductive cycles.

Continuous or cyclic

Continuous. Millions of sperms are produced each day.

Cyclic. Only one mature ovum is produced per reproductive cycle (of 28 days).

Occurrence of gametogenesis in life

Begins at puberty

Continues throughout life

Begins at menarche

Ends at menopause

No. of functional gametes in one cycle

4

1

Polar cells (that degenerate later) produced

No

Yes, one polar cell in each of meiosis I and II.

In spite of major difference of these two processes, they both share a common path and fate- they meiotic divisions that produce haploid gametes.