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Related Concept Videos

Spermatogenesis01:41

Spermatogenesis

124.7K
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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Spermatogenesis01:22

Spermatogenesis

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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.
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
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Meiosis I01:49

Meiosis I

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Meiosis is a carefully orchestrated set of cell divisions, the goal of which—in humans—is to produce haploid sperm or eggs, each containing half the number of chromosomes present in somatic cells elsewhere in the body. Meiosis I is the first such division, and involves several key steps, among them: condensation of replicated chromosomes in diploid cells; the pairing of homologous chromosomes and their exchange of information; and finally, the separation of homologous chromosomes by...
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Meiosis I03:09

Meiosis I

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Meiosis is the division of a diploid cell into haploid cells forming sperm and eggs in animals through differentiation. Meiosis I is the first stage of meiosis, where the genetic recombination of homologous chromosomes and the reduction of the ploidy level by half occurs.
Prophase I is the most extended and complex step of meiosis I characterized by synapsis, chromosome pairing, and recombination of the homologous chromosomes. This process is facilitated by a proteinaceous structure called the...
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Meiosis I03:09

Meiosis I

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Meiosis II01:57

Meiosis II

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Meiosis II is the second and final stage of meiosis. It relies on the haploid cells produced during meiosis I, each of which contain only 23 chromosomes—one from each homologous initial pair. Importantly, each chromosome in these cells is composed of two joined copies, and when these cells enter meiosis II, the goal is to separate such sister chromatids using the same microtubule-based network employed in other division processes. The result of meiosis II is two haploid cells, each...
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COPS5 is Essential for Sertoli Cell Function and Male Fertility in Mice.

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Inhibiting Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Function Using WIN 18,446 to Synchronize Spermatogenesis.

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Testicular stage- and cell-specific expression of F-actin-binding proteins†.

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The action of retinoic acid on spermatogonia in the testis.

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Temporal maturation of Sertoli cells during the establishment of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium†.

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Cellular and molecular basis for the action of retinoic acid in spermatogenesis.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Chromatin Spread Preparations for the Analysis of Mouse Oocyte Progression from Prophase to Metaphase II
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Chromatin Spread Preparations for the Analysis of Mouse Oocyte Progression from Prophase to Metaphase II

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Spermatogenesis: The Commitment to Meiosis.

Michael D Griswold1

  • 1School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington.

Physiological Reviews
|November 6, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Retinoic acid (RA) triggers the commitment of spermatogonia to meiosis, initiating sperm production. This process, crucial for male fertility, involves timed RA pulses within the seminiferous tubules.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Cell biology
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Mammalian spermatogenesis involves stem cell renewal, amplification, meiosis, and spermiogenesis, producing millions of sperm daily.
  • Testicular architecture and the "cycle of the seminiferous epithelium" ensure continuous sperm production.
  • The transition from undifferentiated spermatogonia to meiosis (A to A1 transition) is a critical regulatory step.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of retinoic acid (RA) in initiating the commitment of spermatogonia to meiosis.
  • To understand the mechanism by which RA influences the spermatogenic pathway.

Main Methods:

  • The study focuses on the molecular signaling pathways governing spermatogenesis.
  • Analysis of the "cycle of the seminiferous epithelium" and the timing of cellular events.

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Chromatin Spread Preparations for the Analysis of Mouse Oocyte Progression from Prophase to Metaphase II
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  • Investigating the effects of retinoic acid (RA) on undifferentiated spermatogonia.

    • Main Results:

    • Retinoic acid (RA) acts on undifferentiated or prospermatogonia to trigger the A to A1 transition.
    • Timed pulses of RA influence Sertoli cells and germ cells during specific stages (VII-IX) of the seminiferous epithelium cycle.
    • These RA pulses are proposed to be synthesized and degraded continuously, moving along seminiferous tubules with the spermatogenic wave.

    Conclusions:

    • Retinoic acid (RA) is a key signaling molecule that commits progenitor cells to meiosis, driving the continuous production of sperm.
    • The precisely timed action of RA pulses is essential for regulating the progression of spermatogenesis and male fertility.