During a laboratory experiment, 3,200 spermatogonia are induced to undergo complete spermatogenesis. Each spermatogonium gives rise to one primary spermatocyte; each primary spermatocyte yields two secondary spermatocytes; each secondary spermatocyte forms two spermatids; each spermatid differentiates into a mature spermatozoon. How many mature spermatozoa are produced?
Answer
12,800
The correct answer is 12,800 — Each spermatid differentiates into one mature spermatozoon, so the total number of mature spermatozoa is 12,800.
Step-by-step solution
- Each spermatogonium produces one primary spermatocyte, giving 3,200 primary spermatocytes.
- Each primary spermatocyte generates two secondary spermatocytes, giving 3,200 × 2 = 6,400 secondary spermatocytes.
- Each secondary spermatocyte forms two spermatids, giving 6,400 × 2 = 12,800 spermatids.
- Each spermatid differentiates into one mature spermatozoon, so the total number of mature spermatozoa is 12,800.
Common mistake: Multiplying by 2 for the spermatid step, resulting in 25,600 spermatozoa.
Concept tested: Spermatogenesis cell multiplication
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
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