The production of gametes ________.
a. Begins at puberty in males and females.
b. Requires that the testes of males produce semen.
c. Results in the production of diploid cells from haploid cells.
d. Begins at puberty in females.
e. Produces sperm and eggs that carry half the number of chromosomes as nongametes.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of gametes: Gametes are reproductive cells (sperm in males and eggs in females) that carry half the number of chromosomes compared to somatic (non-reproductive) cells. This is because gametes are haploid, meaning they contain one set of chromosomes, while somatic cells are diploid, containing two sets of chromosomes.
2. Review the process of gametogenesis: Gametogenesis is the process by which gametes are formed. In males, this process is called spermatogenesis and occurs in the testes, while in females, it is called oogenesis and occurs in the ovaries.
3. Clarify the chromosome number: During gametogenesis, diploid cells undergo meiosis, a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in haploid gametes. This ensures that when fertilization occurs, the resulting zygote has the correct diploid chromosome number.
4. Examine the timing of gamete production: In males, spermatogenesis begins at puberty and continues throughout life. In females, oogenesis begins before birth, but the process pauses until puberty, when it resumes during the menstrual cycle.
5. Identify the correct answer: Based on the information above, gametes (sperm and eggs) are haploid cells that carry half the number of chromosomes as somatic cells. This aligns with option e, which states that gametes produce sperm and eggs that carry half the number of chromosomes as nongametes.

Key Concepts

Gamete Production

Gamete production, or gametogenesis, is the biological process through which specialized cells called gametes (sperm in males and eggs in females) are produced. This process begins at puberty in both sexes, involving complex hormonal regulation and cellular division. In males, it occurs in the testes, while in females, it takes place in the ovaries.

Haploid and Diploid Cells

In humans, diploid cells contain two sets of chromosomes (one from each parent), while haploid cells contain only one set. Gametes are haploid, meaning they carry half the genetic information necessary for the formation of a new organism. During fertilization, two haploid gametes combine to form a diploid zygote, restoring the full chromosome number.

Semen Production

Semen is a fluid that contains sperm cells and is produced in males during ejaculation. The production of semen involves the testes, which generate sperm, and accessory glands that contribute fluids to create semen. This process is essential for the delivery of sperm during reproduction, but it is distinct from the actual formation of gametes.