Question

Define gametogenesis.

Answer 1

Hint: Reproduction is an important phenomenon of biological organisms as the production of progeny or offspring are important for the continual of races. Both the male and female sexes are involved in production of offspring. The process of reproduction depends on the formation and fusion of the germ cells of both the sexes.

Complete answer:
Reproduction in organism takes place through two processes which are asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction. In the process of asexual reproduction, one parent is involved and involves no genetic recombination and mostly occurs in lower animals.
 Sexual reproduction occurs in higher animals and it involves the interaction between the germ cells produced from the two parents. The cells of the organisms are of two types which are the somatic cells and germinal cells. Somatic cells are diploid cells associated with functions different from reproduction. The germ cells are haploid cells that are only associated with the process of reproduction. The germ cells through meiotically divisions give rise to gametes in both the male and female sexes.
Gametogenesis is defined as the process of formation of male and female gametes in the sexually reproducing organisms for the process of fertilisation and reproduction. The gamete cells or the sex cells are produced by a series of divisions. Germ cells form gamete cells by dividing through the process of both mitosis and meiosis. In males, the gametes are referred to as the sperm and in females, it is known as the ova or egg.
The process of formation of male gamete or the sperm is called spermatogenesis and it takes place in male gonads or reproductive organs known as the testis. Each testis has seminiferous tubules which are lined by germinal epithelium. Germinal cells of the epithelium, also known as primary germ cells or primordial germ cells undergo three phases of division, reduction and maturation to produce sperms. In females, the process of formation of gamete or ovum is called oogenesis. The process of oogenesis occurs in the female gonad or the ovary.

Note: Gametogenesis is the process of formation of gametes occurring in sexually reproducing organisms to ensure reproduction. The process of formation of male gamete known as the sperms is called spermatogenesis and the process of formation of female gamete known as the ovum is called oogenesis. The gametes are haploid cells and when the male and female gametes fuse during fertilisation, the zygote or the offspring bears diploid chromosomes, contributed by both parents.