Both embryogenesis and gametogenesis are two consequential processes pertaining to sexual reproduction. Gametogenesis is different from embryogenesis as mitosis and meiosis occurs in gametogenesis while in embryogenesis only mitosis takes place. Also, embryogenesis is responsible to form and develop the embryo while gametogenesis is responsible for producing male and female gametes.
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What is Gametogenesis?
Gametogenesis is the formation of haploid gametes, both male and female. In plants it takes place in gametangia while in animals it takes place in gonads. It is of two types depending on the type of sex cells produced – spermatogenesis and oogenesis. The two main phases involved in gametogenesis are – maturation and cell division.Â
In animals, the cells that produce gametes are called germ cells. The germ cells undergo a series of differentiation involving both mitosis and meiosis to give rise to the gametes. Â
| Also Check: MCQs On Mitosis |
What is Embryogenesis?
Embryogenesis is the formation and development of a multicellular embryo from a unicellular zygote. It commences with the uniting of the male and female gamete to produce the zygote, a diploid cell. The embryonic phase in humans lasts up to 11 weeks after which the foetal development commences. The four phases of embryogenesis include – cleavage, gastrulation, neurulation, and organogenesis
In plants, embryogenesis takes place in the following stages – formation of the zygote, globular embryo, heart shaped embryo and finally a mature embryo.
Difference Between Gametogenesis and Embryogenesis
Following are some of the important differences between Gametogenesis and Embryogenesis
| Gametogenesis | Embryogenesis |
| What does it mean? | |
| Mature haploid gametes develop from diploid or haploid precursor cells | Formation and development of embryo |
| What is formed? | |
| Male and female gametes | Embryo develops and forms from zygote |
| Occurrence | |
| In animals in the testis and ovaries. In plants in the antheridia and archegonia | In animals, in the female reproductive system, in plants in the female gametophyte |
| Stage of fertilization in which it occurs | |
| Pre fertilization | Fertilization is followed by embryogenesis |
| Cell division | |
| Both mitosis and meiosis | Only mitosis |
| Leads to the formation of | |
| Haploid gametes | Diploid cells of embryo |
| Types | |
| Two types – spermatogenesis and oogenesis | Results in organogenesis |
| 4 steps include | |
| Gametogenesis, gametidogenesis I, gametidogenesis II, Maturation | Cleavage, gastrulation, neurulation and organogenesis |
These were some differences between Gametogenesis and Embryogenesis. Explore other differences important for NEET at BYJU’S.
Also see:
| Difference Between Parenchyma and Collenchyma cells |
| Difference Between Stems and Roots |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between spermatogenesis and oogenesis?
Spermatogenesis is the formation of sperm cells inside the testes, whereas oogenesis is the formation of egg cells inside the ovary.
What is the process of gastrulation?
Gastrulation is the process of arrangement of the embryo from a single layered cells of epithelium into a multilayered structure called the gastrula.
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