Gametogenesis, the production of haploid sex cells from the germ cell line

Citation:

Lerner KL. Gametogenesis, the production of haploid sex cells from the germ cell line. (Preprint) synthesis of "Gametogenesis"  and "Germ cells and the germ cell line" originally published in K. Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner, eds. World of Anatomy and Physiology. Thomson | Gale. 2002. . 2002.
Gametogenesis, the production of haploid sex cells from the germ cell line

Abstract:

Gametogenesis is the production of haploid sex cells (in humans, ovum and spermatozoa) that carry one-half of each parent's genetic complement. These cells arise from the germ cell line of each parent.

Germ cells and the germ cell line

Germ cells are one of two fundamental cell types in the human body. Germ cells are responsible for the production of sex cells or gametes (in humans, ovum and spermatozoa). Germ cells also constitute a cell line through which genes are passed from generation to generation.

The vast majority of cells in the body are somatic cells. Indeed, the term somatic cell encompasses all of the differentiated cell types, (e.g., vascular, muscular, cardiac, etc.) In addition, somatic cells may also contain undifferentiated stem cells (cells that, with regard to differentiation are still multipotential). Regardless, while the mechanism of genetic replication and cell division is via mitosis in somatic cells, in germ cells a series of meiotic divisions during gametogenesis produces male and female gametes (i.e., ovum and spermatozoa that upon fusion (fertilization) create a single celled zygote that is capable of creating a new organism (download to read more)

Last updated on 10/26/2022