Question

1. Regarding gamete production:
   1. when does production begin in a female body?
   2. when does production stop in a female body?
   3. when does production begin in a male body?
   4. what causes the production to not stop once it’s started in the male body?

Answer 1

a. Oogenesis is the formation of an egg (also known as an ovum or oocyte) in the female foetus. Oogenesis starts in the foetus at around 7 weeks' gestation, when primordial germ cells colonize the newly formed ovary. They are now referred to as oogonia.

b.  Menopause happens when the ovaries no longer release an egg every month and menstruation stops. Gamete production stops at menopause.

c. Spermatogenesis is the process of the formation of male gametes. Males start producing sperm when they reach puberty, which is usually from 10-16 years old.

d. Spermatogenesis does not stop as the testes are continually acted upon by the FSH and testosterone, though the level of FSH and testosterone decreases with age