SPERM CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A sperm cell, also referred to as a spermatozoon or simply sperm, is a specialized reproductive cell found in the male reproductive system of animals, including humans. It is a gamete, which is a cell that fuses with another gamete during fertilization to form a zygote, the initial stage of a new individual.
Sperm cells are cylindrical in shape and highly motile, equipped with a long whip-like tail called a flagellum that propels them forward. They are produced in the seminiferous tubules within the testes through a process called spermatogenesis. Initially, spermatogonia, which are diploid cells, differentiate into primary spermatocytes that undergo meiosis I to produce haploid secondary spermatocytes. The secondary spermatocytes then undergo meiosis II, generating four haploid spermatids, which eventually mature into sperm cells.
Sperm cells are highly specialized for the purpose of fertilization. They possess a head that contains genetic material, including the male's haploid set of chromosomes, which will combine with the female's egg during fertilization. Surrounding the head is the acrosome, a structure filled with enzymes that facilitate the penetration of the egg's outer membrane. The middle piece of the sperm cell contains mitochondria that provide energy for the flagellum's movement, allowing the sperm to swim towards the egg. The tail, also known as the flagellum, propels the sperm through the female reproductive system, aiding in its journey to meet the egg.
Overall, sperm cells play a crucial role in sexual reproduction, serving as the male contribution to fertilization and initiating the formation of a new individual.
Common Misspellings for SPERM CELL
- aperm cell
- zperm cell
- xperm cell
- dperm cell
- eperm cell
- wperm cell
- soerm cell
- slerm cell
- s-erm cell
- s0erm cell
- spwrm cell
- spsrm cell
- spdrm cell
- sprrm cell
- sp4rm cell
- sp3rm cell
- speem cell
- spedm cell
- spefm cell
- spetm cell
Etymology of SPERM CELL
The word "sperm cell" has its origins in Latin and Greek. The term "sperm" comes from the Latin word "sperma", which means "seed". In ancient Greek, the word "sperma" also referred to "seed". In both languages, "sperma" denoted the male reproductive substance, which was believed to contain the potential for new life.
The term "cell" comes from the Latin word "cella", meaning "small room" or "chamber". It was initially used to describe the tiny compartments monks lived in during the medieval period. Later, the term "cell" was adopted by scientists to refer to the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms.
So, when combined, "sperm cell" refers to the male reproductive cell or "seed" that is vital for sexual reproduction. The etymology of the word reflects the historical understanding of this fundamental unit of life.
Similar spelling words for SPERM CELL
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