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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 reproductive...

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Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.

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Among mammals, the gender of an organism is determined by the sex chromosomes. Humans have two sex chromosomes, X and Y. Every human diploid cell has 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. A human female has two X chromosomes, while a male has one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.
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Medium-throughput Screening Assays for Assessment of Effects on Ca2+-Signaling and Acrosome Reaction in Human Sperm

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Published on: March 1, 2019

Genetic contribution to male infertility

¹Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.

Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)

|October 2, 1998

Summary

Infertility affects 2-7% of couples trying to conceive. Chromosomal and gene disorders significantly impair sperm production, highlighting the genome

Area of Science:

Genetics
Reproductive Biology
Human Health

Background:

Infertility affects 2-7% of couples globally.
Spermatogenic impairment is a significant factor in male infertility.
Genetic and chromosomal abnormalities are implicated in failed conception.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of chromosomal and gene disorders in male infertility.
To understand the contribution of genomic integrity to germ cell development.
To identify specific genes involved in spermatogenic control.

Main Methods:

Screening of men attending infertility clinics.
Analysis of chromosomal abnormalities (numerical and structural).
Investigation of gene involvement in spermatogenesis.

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Last Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Medium-throughput Screening Assays for Assessment of Effects on Ca2+-Signaling and Acrosome Reaction in Human Sperm

Medium-throughput Screening Assays for Assessment of Effects on Ca²⁺-Signaling and Acrosome Reaction in Human Sperm

Published on: March 1, 2019

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects

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Mouse Round Spermatid Injection

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Main Results:

Chromosomal abnormalities are frequently found in men with impaired sperm production.
Germ cell breakdown is associated with numerical and structural chromosome abnormalities.
Genes on the Y chromosome and autosomes play a role in regulating sperm production.

Conclusions:

An orderly genome is essential for normal germ cell development and successful conception.
Chromosomal and gene disorders are significant contributors to male infertility.
Further research into specific genes is crucial for understanding and treating infertility.