Anila, Jemima Bian T.

2/19/18
THR/THXY Ronni Pedales

Exercise 12
Gametogenesis in the Frog Ovary and Testis

1. Describe the three ways on how oogenesis differs from spermatogenesis.

Oogenesis differs from spermatogenesis in three significant ways. First, in oogenesis, cytokinesis
during meiosis is unequal, with almost all the cytoplasm segregated to a single daughter cell. This large
cell is destined to become the egg; the other products of meiosis, smaller cells called polar bodies,
degenerate. In spermatogenesis all four products of meiosis develop into mature gametes. Second, during
oogenesis in human females, mitotic divisions are thought to be complete before birth, and the production
of mature gametes ceases at about age 50. Spermatogenesis occurs throughout adolescence and adulthood.
Third, spermatogenesis produces mature sperm from precursor cells in a continuous sequence, whereas
oogenesis has long interruptions. (Campbell, et al. 2016)

2. Distinguish, by means of labeled flow charts and illustrations, the stages of meiosis in the ovary from
those in the testis.

Spermatogenesis Oogenesis

(Campbell et al, 2016)

3. What is polyspermy? Discuss the mechanism on how the egg prevents polyspermy?

Polyspermy is the fertilization of an egg by multiple sperm, and the results of such unions are lethal.
If multiple sperm fertilize an egg, the embryo inherits multiple paternal centrioles. This causes competition
for extra chromosomes and results in the disruption of the creation of the cleavage furrow, thus causing
the zygote to die.

This is prevented by the egg because as the sperm enters the cytoplasm of the oocyte, the cortical
reaction takes place, preventing other sperm from fertilizing the egg. (The fast block cortical reaction
involves opening the Na+ channels in the egg plasma membrane, and as Na+ flows into the egg, it
depolarizes the membrane. This depolarization prevents additional sperm from fusing into the egg plasma
membrane) The oocyte then undergoes its second meiotic division, producing the haploid ovum and
releasing a polar body. (Marcey, 2006)

4. How do you explain the seasonal variation in the number of the oogenic cells?

The frog mating season occurs during the rainy season, where water is needed in order to let the
tadpoles have adequate time to mature and grow. Consequently, in the dry season the frog produces more
oogonia to increase the chances of fertilization.

References:

Reece, J.B., Urry, L.A., Cain., M.L., Wasserman, S.A., Minorsky, P.V., and R.B. Jackson. 2016,
Campbell Biology, 11th ed. Pearson Benjamin Cu mmings. California, USA. 1,025 pp.

Marcey, D. Chapter 13B. Animal Fertilization and Cleavage. Lecture. Fertilization in Animal
Development. Kenyon College Biology Department, Sept. 2006. Web. 1 Apr. 2011.
<http://biology.kenyon.edu/courses/biol114/Chap13/Chapter_13B.html>.