Problem 3 - Biology: The Dynamic Science

Question

Gametogenesis has parallel stages in egg and sperm formation. The stage in eggs that is equivalent to spermatids is the: a. primary oocyte. b. oogonium. c. ovum. d. ootid and polar bodies. e. secondary oocyte and polar body.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The stage in eggs that is equivalent to spermatids in sperm formation is the ootid and polar bodies (option d).

Step 1: Identify stages in spermatogenesis

In the process of spermatogenesis, which is the formation of sperm cells, spermatids are an intermediate stage between meiosis and the creation of mature sperm. Spermatids are haploid but have not yet undergone the ultimate maturation step to become spermatozoa.

Step 2: Identify stages in oogenesis

In the process of oogenesis, which is the formation of egg cells or ova, stages include the oogonium, primary oocyte, secondary oocyte, ootid, and finally the mature ovum. Polar bodies are byproducts of the meiosis process.

Step 3: Match spermatogenesis with oogenesis

When we compare the stages of spermatogenesis and oogenesis, we can see that the equivalent stage to spermatids in oogenesis is the ootid. Ootids are haploid like spermatids and have completed meiosis but they haven't undergone the ultimate maturation step to become ovum. Also the polar bodies are formed at this stage which are byproducts of the process.