BIOL 031 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Rete Testis, Seminiferous Tubule, Sertoli Cell
18 Aug 2020
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Document Summary
Formation of gametes with 23 chromosomes from germ cells expressing 46 chromosomes: germ cells in males and females undergo mitotic divisions to increase in number. Mitosis = normal cell division: dna replicated once, cells divide once to produce identical cells. Formation of gametes involves meiosis: dna replicated once, cells undergo division twice: final gametes contain half chromosomes as parent cell (haploid) containing combination of alleles. Made up of dna the blueprint for the cell. Most cells in our body have 46 chromosomes = diploid: 22 homologus pairs (autosomes, 1 non-homologous pair (sex chromosomes) X chromosome: males and females: essential genes including gene for androgen receptor. Y chromosome: males: essential genes for male development. Sertoli cells (sustentacular cells) sustain, support sperm development; store glycogen and other nutrients to provide nutrition. Leydig cells (interstitial cells) synthesize and secrete testosterone, androgens. Sperm needs to further mature in rete testis and epididymis.
