What is spermatogenesis?

• A. The process of egg cell development in females.
• B. The process of protein synthesis.
• C. The process of sperm cell development in males.
• D. The process of DNA replication.

Answer: (C)

Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm cell development in males. It occurs in the testes within the seminiferous tubules and begins with spermatogonia, diploid germ cells that divide to form primary spermatocytes. These undergo meiosis I to produce haploid secondary spermatocytes, which then complete meiosis II to yield haploid spermatids. Through spermiogenesis, the spermatids elongate and differentiate into mature spermatozoa with flagella and acrosomes. This process starts at puberty and continues throughout reproductive life. It’s distinct from egg cell development (oogenesis in females), protein synthesis (translation), and DNA replication (duplication).