Germ Cell Development Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the fate of primordial germ cells during the 5th week of development?

They become activated and migrate to the genital ridge. (correct)
They differentiate into somatic cells.
They remain in the yolk sac indefinitely.
They undergo apoptosis and are eliminated.

What characteristic do all germ cells in the genital ridge share?

They all possess unique XY chromosomes.
They can only develop into spermatogonia.
They are haploid and contain 22 chromosomes.
They are diploid and have 46 chromosomes. (correct)

What transformation occurs to primordial germ cells after they migrate to the genital ridge?

They divide to increase their number. (correct)
They immediately transform into mature gametes.
They hatch and form a blastocyst.
They become interstitial cells.

Where do primordial germ cells originate during the second week of development?

<p>They are programmed from the epiblast. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ploidy level of spermatogonia and ova?

<p>Diploid with 46 chromosomes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Primordial Germ Cells

Cells destined to become sperm or eggs, originating in the epiblast during the second week of development.

Genital Ridge

The site where primordial germ cells migrate during the fifth week of development, eventually developing into either testes or ovaries.

Somatic Cells

These cells surround primordial germ cells in the genital ridge, contributing to the formation of gonads (testes or ovaries).

Germ Cell Division

The process of primordial germ cells dividing to increase their number in the genital ridge. All cells at this stage have 46 chromosomes, meaning they are diploid.

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Spermatogonia or Ova

Cells within the testes or ovaries that are precursors to sperm (spermatogonia) or eggs (ova) and contain 46 chromosomes, indicating they are diploid.

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Study Notes

Germ Cell Development

During the second week of development, some epiblast cells are programmed to be primordial germ cells. These cells migrate from the epiblast toward the yolk sac and wait for a signal.
During the fifth week, primordial germ cells become activated and migrate from the yolk sac to the genital ridge.
In the genital ridge, germ cells divide to increase their number. All germ cells are diploid (44 + XY chromosomes).
Somatic cells in the genital ridge combine with primordial germ cells to form either testes or ovaries.
Primordial germ cells develop into spermatogonia (male) or ova (female) gametes. These gametes have 46 chromosomes and diploid DNA.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the developmental stages of germ cells during early human embryology. It covers the migration of primordial germ cells, their activation, and the formation of gametes, including the transition to diploid sperm and ova. Test your knowledge on the intricacies of germ cell development.