Spermatocyte
Spermatocyte
Spermatocyte (/spɜːrˈmætəsaɪt/), derived from the Greek words "sperma" meaning seed and "kytos" meaning container, is a male germ cell involved in reproduction.
Etymology
The term "spermatocyte" is derived from the Greek words "sperma" and "kytos". "Sperma" translates to seed, referring to the reproductive function of the spermatocyte, while "kytos" translates to container, indicating the cell's role as a carrier of genetic information.
Function
Spermatocytes are produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes through a process known as spermatogenesis. They are responsible for carrying the male's genetic information and contributing it to the offspring.
There are two types of spermatocytes: primary and secondary. Primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis I to form two secondary spermatocytes, which then undergo meiosis II to form spermatids, the precursors to spermatozoa.
Related Terms
- Spermatogenesis: The process by which spermatocytes are produced.
- Seminiferous tubules: The site in the testes where spermatogenesis occurs.
- Primary spermatocyte: The initial cell in spermatogenesis that undergoes meiosis I.
- Secondary spermatocyte: The cell produced by meiosis I of a primary spermatocyte, which undergoes meiosis II.
- Spermatid: The cell produced by meiosis II of a secondary spermatocyte, which matures into a spermatozoon.
- Spermatozoon: The mature male sex cell that is capable of fertilizing an egg.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spermatocyte
- Wikipedia's article - Spermatocyte
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