spermatogenesis

American  

[spur-mat-uh-jen-uh-sis, spur-muh-tuh-] / spɜrˌmæt əˈdʒɛn ə sɪs, ˌspɜr mə tə- /

noun

Biology.

1. the origin and development of spermatozoa.

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spermatogenesis British  

/ ˌspɜːmətəʊdʒəˈnɛtɪk, ˌspɜːmətəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs /

noun

1. the formation and maturation of spermatozoa in the testis See also spermatocyte

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spermatogenesis Scientific  

/ spər-măt′ə-jĕn′ĭ-sĭs,spûr′mə-tə- /

1. The formation and development of spermatozoa. Spermatogenesis in humans begins with the spermatogonium, the diploid cell that undergoes mitosis to form new spermatogonia as well as cells called primary spermatocytes. Each primary spermatocyte then undergoes the first meiotic division to produce two secondary spermatocytes. Each secondary spermatocyte undergoes the second meiotic division to produce two nonmotile cells called spermatids. The four spermatids then develop flagella and become sperm. Since some of the original spermatogonia replace themselves, the males are able to produce large numbers of sperm continuously after sexual maturity.

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Other Word Forms

• spermatogenetic adjective

Etymology

Origin of spermatogenesis

From New Latin, dating back to 1880–85; see origin at spermato-, -genesis

Example Sentences

HSF5 is required for progression beyond the pachytene stage during spermatogenesis, guiding the meiotic program towards completion and activating genes associated with sperm formation.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2024

The study's results are alarming, with the linuron-exposed frogs' male offspring exhibiting altered spermatogenesis, increased body weight, and modifications in fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2024

The Y chromosome's genes help govern crucial reproductive functions including sperm production, formally called spermatogenesis, and are even involved in cancer risk and severity.

From Reuters • Aug. 23, 2023

Figure 34.14 During spermatogenesis, four sperm result from each primary spermatocyte.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

By the end of May, although the plumage is unchanged, the testes have diminished to the size of a haricot bean, and spermatogenesis has ceased.

From Hormones and Heredity by Cunningham, J. T.