Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch. 2 - Mitosis and Meiosis
Klug - Concepts of Genetics  12th Edition
Klug12th EditionConcepts of Genetics ISBN: 9780135564776Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 24

If one follows 50 primary oocytes in an animal through their various stages of oogenesis, how many secondary oocytes would be formed? How many first polar bodies would be formed? How many ootids would be formed? If one follows 50 primary spermatocytes in an animal through their various stages of spermatogenesis, how many secondary spermatocytes would be formed? How many spermatids would be formed?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of oogenesis: Each primary oocyte undergoes meiosis I to produce one secondary oocyte and one first polar body. Therefore, from 50 primary oocytes, the number of secondary oocytes and first polar bodies formed will be equal to the number of primary oocytes.
Calculate the number of secondary oocytes and first polar bodies: Since each primary oocyte produces 1 secondary oocyte and 1 first polar body, the total secondary oocytes = 50 and total first polar bodies = 50.
Next, consider the formation of ootids: Each secondary oocyte undergoes meiosis II to produce one ootid (which will mature into an ovum) and a second polar body. Since the problem only asks for ootids, the number of ootids formed equals the number of secondary oocytes.
Understand the process of spermatogenesis: Each primary spermatocyte undergoes meiosis I to produce two secondary spermatocytes. Therefore, from 50 primary spermatocytes, the number of secondary spermatocytes formed is twice the number of primary spermatocytes.
Calculate the number of spermatids: Each secondary spermatocyte undergoes meiosis II to produce two spermatids. Thus, the total number of spermatids formed is four times the number of primary spermatocytes.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oogenesis Process and Outcomes

Oogenesis is the formation of female gametes where one primary oocyte undergoes meiosis to produce one secondary oocyte and one first polar body. The secondary oocyte then divides to form one ootid and a second polar body, but typically only one viable ovum results from each primary oocyte.
Recommended video:
Guided course
08:39
mRNA Processing

Polar Bodies Formation

Polar bodies are small cells produced during oogenesis that contain discarded genetic material. The first polar body forms after the first meiotic division, and the second polar body forms after the second division. They usually do not develop into ova and serve to reduce chromosome number while conserving cytoplasm in the oocyte.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:06
Formation of Plant Gametes

Spermatogenesis Process and Outcomes

Spermatogenesis is the formation of male gametes where each primary spermatocyte undergoes meiosis I to form two secondary spermatocytes, which then divide in meiosis II to produce four spermatids. These spermatids mature into spermatozoa, resulting in four viable sperm from each primary spermatocyte.
Recommended video:
Guided course
08:39
mRNA Processing
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Contrast the chromatin fiber with the mitotic chromosome. How are the two structures related?

666
views
Textbook Question

Describe the 'folded-fiber' model of the mitotic chromosome.

994
views
Textbook Question

You are given a metaphase chromosome preparation (a slide) from an unknown organism that contains 12 chromosomes. Two that are clearly smaller than the rest appear identical in length and centromere placement. Describe all that you can about these chromosomes.

818
views
Textbook Question

Consider a diploid cell that contains three pairs of chromosomes designated AA, BB, and CC. Each pair contains a maternal and a paternal member (e.g., Am and Ap). Using these designations, demonstrate your understanding of mitosis and meiosis by drawing chromatid combinations as requested. Be sure to indicate when chromatids are paired as a result of replication and/or synapsis.

In mitosis, what chromatid combination(s) will be present during metaphase? What combination(s) will be present at each pole at the completion of anaphase?

552
views
Textbook Question

Consider a diploid cell that contains three pairs of chromosomes designated AA, BB, and CC. Each pair contains a maternal and a paternal member (e.g., Am and Ap). Using these designations, demonstrate your understanding of mitosis and meiosis by drawing chromatid combinations as requested. Be sure to indicate when chromatids are paired as a result of replication and/or synapsis.

During meiosis I, assuming no crossing over, what chromatid combination(s) will be present at the completion of prophase I? Draw all possible alignments of chromatids as migration begins during early anaphase.

588
views
Textbook Question

Consider a diploid cell that contains three pairs of chromosomes designated AA, BB, and CC. Each pair contains a maternal and a paternal member (e.g., Am and Ap). Using these designations, demonstrate your understanding of mitosis and meiosis by drawing chromatid combinations as requested. Be sure to indicate when chromatids are paired as a result of replication and/or synapsis.

Are there any possible combinations present during prophase of meiosis II other than those that you drew in Problem 26? If so, draw them.

583
views