It is important to remember that although the process is the same, the outcome of meiosis is different in males and females. Another name for meiosis is gametogenesis, because it is the process of making gametes (sperm and egg). Spermatogenesis, the process of making sperm, results in four genetically unique, yet equally sized sperm. During Oogenesis, the process of making eggs results in 1 large mature egg. Why does this happen? In this lesson we will look at the differences between spermatogenesis and oogenesis, and why these differences are essential for life.

In the process of spermatogenesis occurs in the testes. During this process one spermatocyte (sperm making cell) undergoes the process of meiosis to create 4 genetically unique sperm cells. All divisions of the cytoplasm are equal. See figure 5.2.

Spermatogenesis

Figure 5.2

This is a derivative of Gametogenesi by Elversberg / CC BY-SA 3.0

During the process of oogenesis, which occurs in the ovaries, one oocyte (egg making cell) undergoes meiosis to create 1 mature egg (ovum) and 3 polar bodies. As you can see from the figure 5.3 the division of the cytoplasm is not equal in oogenesis. The majority of the cytoplasm, cell organelles and energy is placed into one cell. This cell becomes the mature egg and is the only cell released from the ovary into the fallopian tube for potential fertilization. The 3 smaller polar bodies die and are reabsorbed by the body.

Oogenesis

Figure 5.3

This is a derivative of Gametogenesi by Elversberg / CC BY-SA 3.0