Which process yields four functional sperm from one germ cell?

Which process yields four functional sperm from one germ cell?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Spermatogenesis
• C. Oogenesis
• D. Fertilization

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is how sperm are produced in a male. Spermatogenesis is the process that creates four mature, haploid sperm from a single diploid germ cell. In the testes, a germ cell divides through meiosis I and II, producing four haploid cells. These cells then undergo spermiogenesis to become functional sperm. So one germ cell ultimately gives rise to four sperm. Mitosis would copy cells without changing chromosome number, not producing four different gametes. Oogenesis makes one functional egg plus polar bodies, not four sperm. Fertilization is the joining of sperm and egg, not a process that generates multiple sperm.

The main idea here is how sperm are produced in a male. Spermatogenesis is the process that creates four mature, haploid sperm from a single diploid germ cell. In the testes, a germ cell divides through meiosis I and II, producing four haploid cells. These cells then undergo spermiogenesis to become functional sperm. So one germ cell ultimately gives rise to four sperm.

Mitosis would copy cells without changing chromosome number, not producing four different gametes. Oogenesis makes one functional egg plus polar bodies, not four sperm. Fertilization is the joining of sperm and egg, not a process that generates multiple sperm.