Histological Analysis of Gametogenesis: Mammalian Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

Students: Sarah Sanchez Hurtado, Faviola Sanchez

Faculty Mentor: Lisa Hua

Biology

College of Science, Technology, and Business

Gametogenesis is the biological process where gametes, sperm and egg cells, are formed in sexually reproducing organisms. It involves two specialized cell divisions called meiosis, where recombination occurs during prophase I, allowing for the production of haploid gametes and generating genetic diversity. Gametogenesis is essential for producing the two different gametes, as when they fuse, it leads to fertilization. The fusion of sperm and egg produces a zygote, where the chromosomes combine, making it diploid. This laboratory exercise explores mammalian spermatogenesis and oogenesis, focusing on their cellular processes, regulatory mechanisms, and developmental significance. Spermatogenesis occurs in the testes and begins at puberty, continuing throughout a male’s life. It involves diploid spermatogonia undergoing mitosis and meiosis to produce four haploid sperm cells, which mature through spermatogenesis into motile sperm. Oogenesis is the process in the ovaries where diploid oogonia develop into a single ovum through meiosis, where they pause at various stages until fertilization occurs. The function of the egg is to provide protective envelopes, supply molecular components, contribute its own genome, and prepare for the incorporation of the sperm’s genome. Through their histological examination of gonadal tissue, students will observe the differentiation of spermatogonia into mature spermatozoa and the progression of oocytes through meiosis. The slide samples obtained for the laboratory exercise include human ovaries and rat testes. To optimize familiarity with gametogenesis, students labeled, sketched, and made descriptions of the cells and tissues of the mammalian gonads during observation using a compound microscope.