Joanne Tercy

Biology 1120
Writing Assignment
1. The route of production first starts with spermatogenesis. This is the process of sperm
development that happens within the seminiferous tubule of the testis. The process of
spermatogenesis begins with the spermatogonium. This is a diploid cells that gets divided
by mitosis to produce a new spermatogonium and a primary spermatocyte. The primary
spermatocyte, which is diploid, completes meiosis 1 to produce the secondary
spermatocyte. Next, the secondary spermatocyte, which is haploid, completes meiosis 2
to produces spermatids. The spermatids, which are haploid, undergo spermiogenesis.
Then we have the spermatozoa, which are haploid as well, leave the seminiferous tubule
and mature in the epididymis. Once the sperm is matured, it goes through the vas
deferens, ampulla, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral gland, and exits
through the urethra.
For the egg, we have the process of oogenesis. It starts with the primordial follicle, which
contains a primary oocyte. This is the most primitive type of ovarian follicle. Then it goes
to the Primary follicle and Secondary Follicle, which contain a primary oocyte as well.
Next is the Vesicular Follicle, which contains a secondary oocyte. When ovulation takes
place in the vesicular follicle, the vesicular follicle ruptures and ejects its oocytes; the
remainders turn into the Corpus Luteum. This structure secretes progesterone and
estrogen. When the Corpus Luteum breaks down, it turns into the Corpus Albicans.
2. According to the video, the average man tosses out a thousand new sperm every
second. This equals a hundred million new sperm every day and more than two trillion
over a lifetime. Some selective forces working against sperm include the vagina being
acidic. If this happens, the sperm must escape or die.
3. Once the egg is released from the ovaries, it is fertilized in the Fallopian tube. It will
stay in the Fallopian tube until the sperm fertilizes it. Implantation of the egg usually
takes place 6 to 10 days after ovulation occurs and implants the egg to the uterine lining.
4. According to the video, the blastocyst could be attacked by the mothers immune
system. The mothers immune system can perceive it as a foreign invaded. The white
blood cells could destroy it. In return, the blastocyst can create numerous chemicals that
can suppress the mother's immune system in the uterus. Therefore, the mother will
welcome the blastocyst as a guest. This is how the blastocyst can defend itself.
5. The process is known as gastrulation. The primary germ layers and organ that
develops from each germ layer is known as the following:
Ectoderm: Outer Layer; Integumentary System organs such as the skin
Mesoderm: Middle Layer; Skeletal Muscle System organs such as the bone
Endoderm: Inner Layer; Digestive system organs such as the liver
6. The SRY gene is responsible for sex determination in males.
7. The placenta has many functions. It nourishes the fetus, involved in hormone
production, and exchange of respiratory gases. It makes sure that oxygen is moved into
the blood stream of the baby and toxic waste such as Carbon Dioxide is taken away from
the fetus. According to the video, the placenta begins to form as soon as the blastocyst
burrowed into the mothers uterus.
8. The umbilical cord plays a vital role when it comes to the fetus. Since the fetus cannot
breathe, the umbilical cord is there to deliver oxygen. Furthermore, the umbilical cord
delivers various nutrients to the fetus.