Dictionary > Spermatocyte

Spermatocyte

Definition
noun, plural: spermatocytes
A male gametocyte derived from a spermatogonium, and gives rise to haploid spermatids through meiosis.
Supplement
The spermatocytes are found in the male gonads of sexually reproducing organisms. In humans, they are found in the seminiferous tubules of the testis. They carry out meiosis to produce spermatids, which in turn give rise to mature sperm cells.
The spermatocytes are of two forms: the primary and secondary. The primary spermatocytes carry out meiosis I giving rise to secondary spermatocytes. The secondary spermatocytes perform meiosis II giving rise to haploid spermatids.
The spermatocytes are the male counterpart of oocytes in female.
Compare: oocyte

See also: spermatidogenesis, meiosis

Last updated on March 1st, 2021

You will also like...

Physical growth
Physical Development in Humans

This tutorial elaborates on the physical development of humans, particularly from puberty to adulthood. Read this tutori..

Schematic diagram of bacterial lactose operon
Gene Action – Operon Hypothesis

Learn how the way genes control and determine every aspect of the body. This lesson uses lac operon as an example. ..

..

A sperm cell fertilizing an ovum
Human Reproduction and Fertilization

For human species to obviate extinction, reproductive mature adults should be producing viable offspring in order to con..

Plant meristem
Plant Meristems and Growth

In plants, growth occurs in meristems, which are the site of repeated cell division of unspecialized cells. These cells ..

Lotic community of algal species
Lotic Communities & Algae

Lotic communities have conditions that are rather harsh for typical plants. Thus, the diversity of plant species in loti..

Birth Control and Contraception
Birth Control and Contraception

Different pregnancy and birth control and contraception strategies are described. Read this tutorial to learn each of th..