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Question about spermiogenesis!!?

What are the structural changes that the spermatid undergoes during spermiogenesis, there's 5 marks so if there are 5 structural changes that would be great!

Also how do these structural changes allow the spermatozoa to function in the female reproductive system?

Thanks so much guys!

1 Answer

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  • 8 years ago
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    according to the web page (below) there are four stages:

    PhasesThe process of spermiogenesis is traditionally divided into four stages: the Golgi phase, the cap phase,formation of tail, and the maturation stage.[1]

    [edit] Golgi phaseThe spermatids, which up until now have been mostly radially symmetrical, begin to develop polarity.

    The head forms at one end, and the Golgi apparatus creates enzymes that will become the acrosome.

    At the other end, it develops a thickened mid-piece, where the mitochondria gather and the distal centriole begins to form an axoneme.

    Spermatid DNA also undergoes packaging, becoming highly condensed. The DNA is packaged first, with specific nuclear basic proteins, which are subsequently replaced with protamines during spermatid elongation. The resultant tightly packed chromatin is transcriptionally inactive.

    [edit] Cap phaseThe Golgi apparatus surrounds the condensed nucleus, becoming the acrosomal cap.

    Formation of TailOne of the centrioles of the cell elongates to become the tail of the sperm. A temporary structure called the "manchette" assists in this elongation.

    During this phase, the developing spermatozoa orient themselves so that their tails point towards the center of the lumen, away from the epithelium.

    [edit] Maturation phaseThe excess cytoplasm, known as residual bodies, is phagocytosed by surrounding Sertoli cells in the testes.

    more at web page!

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