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Related Concept Videos

Spermatogenesis01:41

Spermatogenesis

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Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male...
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Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
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Microtubules01:18

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Microtubules are the thickest cytoskeletal filaments with a diameter of 25 nm. In prokaryotic organisms, microtubules are commonly found in locomotory appendages like cilia and flagella. In eukaryotic cells, microtubules form specialized extensions for moving fluid over the surface, like those found in cells lining the intestine.
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There are three types of cytoskeletal structures in eukaryotic cells—microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. With a diameter of about 25 nm, microtubules are the thickest of these fibers. Microtubules carry out a variety of functions that include cell structure and support, transport of organelles, cell motility (movement), and the separation of chromosomes during cell division.
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Spindle assembly occurs through three, often coexisting, pathways – the centrosome-mediated pathway, the chromatin-mediated pathway, and the microtubule-mediated pathway – collectively contributing to form a robust spindle apparatus.
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The mitotic spindle—or spindle apparatus—is a eukaryotic, cytoskeletal structure made up of long protein fibers called microtubules. Formed during cell division, the spindle separates sister chromatids and moves them to opposite ends of a parental cell, where the now individual chromosomes are distributed to two daughter cell nuclei.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 3, 2026

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model
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A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model

Published on: February 6, 2018

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Microtubules and spermatogenesis.

Liza O'Donnell1, Moira K O'Bryan2

  • 1MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.

Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|January 21, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Microtubule dynamics are crucial for male fertility, impacting cell division and sperm development during spermatogenesis. Proper regulation of these cellular structures is essential for producing functional spermatozoa.

Keywords:
FlagellaMeiosisMicrotubulesSpermSpermatogenesis

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Last Updated: May 3, 2026

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model
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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Microtubules, polymers of tubulin, are vital for cellular functions including division and migration.
  • Spermatogenesis involves stem cell division and differentiation into motile, fertilizing spermatozoa.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review microtubule-based processes in spermatogenesis.
  • To highlight the essential role of microtubule dynamics in male fertility.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current knowledge on microtubule dynamics in spermatogenesis.
  • Integration of data from microscopy and genetically modified mouse models.

Main Results:

  • Microtubule dynamics influence Sertoli cell function and germ cell division (mitotic and meiotic).
  • Microtubules are key in sperm head shaping (manchette development) and flagella formation.

Conclusions:

  • Regulation of microtubule dynamics is indispensable for male fertility.
  • Disruptions in microtubule function negatively impact sperm production and function.