.
Gametogenesis
● Definition: It is the process by which gametes (sex cells) are formed in the
reproductive organs.
● In males, this is called spermatogenesis (makes sperm).
● In females, it is called oogenesis (makes eggs/ova).
● It happens through meiosis.
2. Fertilization
● Definition: It is the process where a male gamete (sperm) fuses with a
female gamete (egg) to form a zygote.
● This zygote then develops into a new organism.
● It restores the diploid number of chromosomes (half from each parent).
3. Meiosis
● Definition: A special type of cell division that reduces the chromosome
number by half.
● It happens during gametogenesis to form haploid gametes.
● A diploid cell (2n) divides to produce four haploid cells (n).
● Meiosis has two stages:
○ Meiosis I: Homologous chromosomes separate.
○ Meiosis II: Sister chromatids separate.
Summary Table:
Term What Happens? Where?
Gametogenesis Formation of gametes (sperm or egg) Testes (males), Ovaries
(females)
Fertilization Sperm + Egg → Zygote Fallopian tube (in humans)
Meiosis Cell division making 4 haploid cells During gametogenesis
(gametes)
What is the Goal of Meiosis?
To turn one diploid cell (with two sets of chromosomes) into four haploid cells
(with one set of chromosomes each).
This is essential to make gametes (sperm and eggs), so that when fertilization
happens, the full chromosome number is restored.
Key Definitions
● Chromosome = Long DNA molecule with genes.
● Diploid (2n) = Two copies of each chromosome (one from mother, one from
father).
● Haploid (n) = One copy of each chromosome (found in gametes).
● Humans: 46 chromosomes (diploid) → 23 chromosomes (haploid gametes).
Steps of Meiosis and How It Halves the Chromosome Number
1. Before Meiosis Begins – DNA Replication
● Each chromosome makes a copy of itself, forming sister chromatids.
● But the total number of chromosomes is still the same (just with duplicated
DNA).
2. Meiosis I – The First Division (Reduces Chromosome Number)
● Homologous chromosomes (same genes, one from each parent) pair up.
● Microtubules attach and pull one chromosome from each pair to opposite
sides.
● The cell divides into two cells, each with half the number of chromosomes
(haploid), but each chromosome still has two chromatids.
This is where the number of chromosomes is halved!
3. Meiosis II – The Second Division
● The two sister chromatids of each chromosome are pulled apart to opposite
poles.
● Each of the two cells divides again, forming four haploid cells.
● Now each cell has one copy of each chromosome = haploid.
Why Meiosis is Important
● Ensures gametes have only one set of chromosomes.
● When fertilization happens (sperm + egg), the diploid number is restored.
● Maintains the chromosome number across generations.
Summary Table:
Phase What Happens? Chromosome Effect
DNA Chromosomes copy themselves → Chromosomes still
replication chromatids diploid
Meiosis I Homologous chromosomes Chromosome number
separate halved
Meiosis II Sister chromatids separate Each cell gets one
chromatid
Result 4 haploid gametes Ready for fertilization
Sexual Reproduction: Source of Genetic Diversity
Unlike asexual reproduction (which produces identical offspring), sexual
reproduction creates genetically unique individuals. Even siblings from the same
parents (except identical twins) are different from each other.
Key Reasons for Genetic Variation in Sexual Reproduction
1. Fusion of Gametes (Fertilization)
● Each gamete (sperm or egg) contains only one set of chromosomes
(haploid).
● During fertilization, the male and female gametes combine randomly, forming
a zygote with a new combination of genes.
● This combination of maternal and paternal genes has likely never existed
before.
2. Meiosis Produces Different Gametes
During meiosis (the special cell division that makes gametes), gene combinations
are shuffled and separated in different ways:
a. Independent Assortment
● Genes are located on chromosomes.
● When chromosomes are pulled into new cells during meiosis, it’s random
which version (allele) of each gene goes into each gamete.
● Example:
○ A person has blood group genes: IA and IB
○ And eye color genes: B (brown) and b (blue)
○ The gametes produced can have these combinations:
1. IA and B
2. IA and b
3. IB and B
4. IB and b
○ All these combinations are equally likely.
b. Crossing Over
● During early meiosis, chromosomes exchange pieces with each other.
● This shuffles genes even more, creating new combinations.
Result: Immense Variety
● With about 25,000 genes in humans and many of them having different
versions (alleles), the number of possible gene combinations in gametes
is huge.
● This means:
○ Every sperm or egg is different.
○ Every baby (zygote) formed is unique.
○ Even if the same parents have many children, no two are genetically
the same (unless they are identical twins).
Summary Table
Mechanism How it creates variety
Fertilization Random fusion of two gametes
Independent Assortment Random distribution of chromosomes during meiosis
Crossing Over Exchange of gene segments between chromosomes
Gene versions (alleles) Different forms of a gene create different traits