Question

50 primary spermatocytes give rise to

• A. 200 spermatocytes
• B. 50 spermatocytes
• C. 200 spermatozoa
• D. 50 spermatozoa

Answer 1

The correct option is C 200 spermatozoa

In testis, the immature male germ cells (spermatogonia) produce sperms by spermatogenesis that begins at puberty. The spermatogonia (sing. spermatogonium) present on the inside wall of seminiferous tubules multiply by mitotic division and increase in numbers. Each spermatogonium is diploid and contains 46 chromosomes. Some of the spermatogonia called primary spermatocytes periodically undergo meiosis. A primary spermatocyte completes the first meiotic division (reduction division) leading to formation of two equal, haploid cells called secondary spermatocytes, which have only 23 chromosomes each. The secondary spermatocytes undergo the second meiotic division to produce four equal, haploid spermatids. The spermatids are transformed into spermatozoa (sperms) by the process called spermiogenesis. Thus, 50 primary spermatocytes will give rise to 100 haploid secondary spermatocytes which will give rise to 200 haploid spermatozoa.

Thus, the correct option is (C).