The total number of chromosomes in spermatids is 23, which is half the number of chromosomes in the cell.
This is because spermatids are haploid cells, hence they carry half the total number of chromosomes. Once the spermatids mature into a diploid cell, it contains a complete set of chromosomes, i.e. 23 pairs or 46 chromosomes.
Let’s learn more in detail about Spermatids and Chromosomes
What are Spermatids?
Spermatids are haploid, male gametes, which later mature into sperms. The process of developing spermatids and sperms within the male reproductive organs, the testes is called spermatogenesis. In this process, fully matured male gametes are produced and carried to the female reproductive system, which unites with the female gamete and is fertilized to produce a zygote, a single-celled organism.
The spermatogenesis process plays a significant role in maintaining the total number of chromosomes in the offsprings.
Explore more: The process Of Spermatogenesis
What are Chromosomes?
Chromosomes are thread-like cell organelles, present within the nucleus of the cell. It functions by carrying genetic information from one generation to another. In all living beings, chromosomes play a vital role in cell division, heredity, mutation, repair, regeneration and variations.
We humans carry 23 pairs or 46 total numbers of chromosomes. Among which 22 pair or 44 chromosomes are called autosomes, the other two chromosomes are called the sex chromosomes -X and Y. Each sex chromosome is inherited from each parent, i.e. half of the sex chromosomes from our mother and the other half from our father. The sex chromosomes also determine the sex of a baby.
A female baby has two copies of the “X” chromosome, whereas, the male baby has one “X” and “Y” chromosome.
Explore more: Chromosomes
The total number of chromosomes usually varies in different species. The number varies from 2 to 50 or more chromosomes.
The scientific method or a laboratory technique used for studying about the chromosomes, its numbers, features, structures and functions is called Karyotyping or Karyotype tests.
Changes in the number of chromosomes result in chromosome disorders or chromosomal abnormalities. This is because each and every single chromosome in our cell has its own characteristic features. Presence or absence of any one chromosome, causes many health disorders, which cannot be treated as it is a natural mechanism. These abnormalities are seen in both the sexes. Down’s syndrome, Klinefelter’s syndrome, Turner syndrome are examples of chromosome numerical abnormalities.
Explore more: Chromosomal Abnormalities
Frequently Asked Questions On Number of Chromosomes in Spermatids
What is Chromosome?
The cell organelle or the DNA molecules that comprise the genetic material of an organism is called chromosome.
What is the difference between a Spermatids and sperms?
Spermatids refers to the haploid cell of the male gametes. The sperm, also called the male reproductive cell, is a diploid cell of the male gametes, which is produced after the maturation of spermatids.
How many chromosomes do humans have?
Humans have 23 pairs or 46 numbers of chromosomes. 22 pairs of chromosomes are called autosomes and the remaining 2 pairs of chromosomes are called sex chromosomes or allosomes.
This article concludes the introduction to chromosomes, their structure, functions, chromosome numbers and the chromosomal disorders caused by the number of chromosomes. For more details on chromosomes, total number of chromosomes chromosomal disorders or abnormalities, male and female reproductive system and any other related topics, visit us at BYJU’S Biology
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