How many sperm come from ten primary spermatocytes?

Question

How many sperm come from ten primary spermatocytes?

Can someone explain this to me. I believe the answer is 40, because 1 primary spermatocyte would yield for sperms.

I am confused because in the book it does not show primary spermatocytes only secondary, are they the same?

Also How many ova are produced by ten primary oocytes?

Thanks

Answer 1

You're correct!  10 primary spermatocytes go on to produce 40 sperm.

Primary and secondary spermatocytes are NOT the same.  Each primary spermatocyte produces two secondary spermatocytes through meiosis I, which in turn produce two spermatids through meiosis II.  These spermatids mature over time into sperm.

10 primary oocytes ultimately produce just 10 ova.  The other 20 to 30 cells produced in the meiotic divisions are polar bodies that break down and get reabsorbed by the body.