Gametogenesis

Gametogenesis
The development and production of the male and female germ cells required to form a new individual. The male and female germ cells are called gametes. The gametes in human males are produced by the testes, two globe-shaped reproductive organs just below the penis. Male gametes are what most people refer to as sperm. Gametes in human females are produced by the ovaries, two oblong organs on each side of the uterus in the lower abdomen. Female gametes are what most people refer to as eggs or ova. During sexual intercourse, an ejaculated sperm cell penetrates an egg and unites with it (fertilizes it). The fertilized egg is called the zygote. The reproductive organs in both males and females (testes and ovaries, respectively) begin gametogenesis with a primitive germ cell. A primitive germ cell is a seed cell. Like a seed planted in a garden, a primitive germ cell initiates the process that eventually results in a new being. The primitive germ cell contains 46 pairs of chromosomes. Chromosomes are structures that hold the genetic information (the DNA) that determine the makeup of the new being. In humans, chromosomes influence hair, eye and skin color, height, bone structure — indeed, all of the characteristics that prompt people to say that a child "takes after" his mother or father. Chromosomes occur in pairs because they reflect the makeup of the previous generation — 23 chromosomes from the father and 23 from the mother. However, the gametes produced by the testes and the ovaries cannot each contain 46 chromosomes. Otherwise, after they unite, they will contain 92 chromosomes! Thus, the germ cells produced by the testes and ovaries each divide once, then divide again, in a reduction process that creates cells containing 23 chromosomes, or half the original number. The body is smart (or has evolved to do what it needs to do). This reduction process is known as meiosis. Then, after a male ejaculates sperm into a female and fertilizes her egg, a new individual with 46 chromosomes begins to form. In other words, pregnancy occurs. "Gamete" is derived from the Greek word "gamete" (wife) and "gamein" (to marry). "Genesis" is derived from the Greek word "genein" (to produce). Thus, in gametogenesis, cells marry ("gamein") and produce ("genein") a new being. The first book of the Bible is called "Genesis" because it provides a figurative account of the beginning of humankind. Other words from Greek and Latin that contain "gen" (indicating production or output) include "generate," "genitals," and "generous." The word "gentry" means "of high or noble birth."
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The process of formation and development of gametes. [gameto- + G. genesis, production]

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ga·me·to·gen·e·sis .gam-ə-tə-'jen-ə-səs, gə-.mēt-ə- n, pl -e·ses -.sēz the production of gametes
gam·etog·e·nous .gam-ə-'täj-ə-nəs adj

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n.
the process by which spermatozoa and ova are formed. In both sexes the precursor cells undergo meiosis, which halves the number of chromosomes. However, the timing of events and the size and number of gametes produced are very different in the male and female. See oogenesis, spermatogenesis.

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gam·e·to·gen·e·sis (gə-me″to-jenґə-sis) [gameto- + -genesis] the development of the male and female sex cells, or gametes.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • Gametogenesis — is a process by which diploid or haploid precursor cells undergo cell division and differentiation to form mature haploid gametes. Depending on the biological life cycle of the organism, gametogenesis occurs by meiotic division of diploid… …   Wikipedia

  • gametogénesis — (plural gametogénesis) sustantivo femenino 1. Área: biología Proceso de formación de los gametos a partir de células germinativas que tiene lugar en las gónadas …   Diccionario Salamanca de la Lengua Española

  • gametogenesis — gametogenesis. См. гаметогенез. (Источник: «Англо русский толковый словарь генетических терминов». Арефьев В.А., Лисовенко Л.А., Москва: Изд во ВНИРО, 1995 г.) …   Молекулярная биология и генетика. Толковый словарь.

  • gametogénesis — Origen y maduración de los gametos, que se produce a través del proceso de meiosis. Diccionario Mosby Medicina, Enfermería y Ciencias de la Salud, Ediciones Hancourt, S.A. 1999 …   Diccionario médico

  • gametogenesis — [gə mēt΄ō jen′ə sis] n. the entire process of consecutive cell divisions and differentiation by which mature eggs or sperm are developed gametogenic [gə mēt΄ōjen′ik] adj. gametogenous [gam΄ə täj′ə nəs] gametogeny [gam΄ə täj′ənē] n …   English World dictionary

  • Gametogénesis — Este artículo o sección necesita referencias que aparezcan en una publicación acreditada, como revistas especializadas, monografías, prensa diaria o páginas de Internet fidedignas. Puedes añadirlas así o avisar …   Wikipedia Español

  • Gametogénesis — ► sustantivo femenino BIOLOGÍA Proceso de formación de los gametos, a partir de las células germinativas. IRREG. plural gametogénesis * * * gametogénesis (de «gameto» y « génesis») f. Biol. Formación de los gametos. * * * La gametogénesis es el… …   Enciclopedia Universal

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  • Gametogenesis — lytinių ląstelių susidarymas statusas T sritis gyvūnų raida, augimas, ontogenezė, embriologija atitikmenys: lot. Gametogenesis; Pro ontogenesis ryšiai: platesnis terminas – žinduolių reprodukcija siauresnis terminas – gametų brendimas siauresnis… …   Veterinarinės anatomijos, histologijos ir embriologijos terminai

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