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Embryology of Vertebrates and Gametogenesis | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Embryology of Vertebrates with Special Reference to Aves and Domestic Mammals

Embryology Simplified:

  1. Definition:

    • Embryology is the study of how animals develop from the fertilization of the egg to reaching adulthood.
    • Ontogeny refers to individual development, while phylogeny relates to the evolutionary history of a species.
  2. Biogenetic Law:

    • The biogenetic law proposes that the development of an individual organism (ontogeny) reflects the evolutionary history of its species (phylogeny).
    • This idea is summarized as "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny."
  3. Importance of Embryology:

    • Helps interpret rudimentary structures, variations, anomalies, and abnormalities in development.
    • Provides insights into the origins of tumors and other pathological changes.
    • Key to understanding heredity, sex determination, and organic evolution.
  4. Embryo Development Stages:

    • Multicellular embryos start as a fertilized egg (zygote).
    • Development involves:
      • Growth: Cell proliferation.
      • Cell Movements: Formation of body form (morphogenesis).
      • Cell Specialization: Changes in shape, structure, and function to form tissues (histogenesis).
      • Tissue Combination: Tissues combine to form organs (organogenesis).
      • Functional Adaptation: Coordination for a working organism (Integration).
Question for Embryology of Vertebrates and Gametogenesis
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What is the process of introducing spermatic fluid and meeting with the ovum called?
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Gametogenesis

Oogenesis Simplified:

  1. Primary Graafian Follicle Formation:

    • Begins with a germ cell (oogonium) and a single layer of follicular cells.
    • Oogonium grows into a primary oocyte as follicular cells proliferate, forming a stratified epithelium.
    • The follicle develops irregular spaces that merge to create a cavity called the antrum folliculi, filled with fluid secreted by follicular cells.
  2. Maturation Process:

    • Maturation involves two unique mitotic divisions.
    • The primary oocyte enlarges and divides into a secondary oocyte and the first polar body, each containing half the chromosomes.
    • The secondary oocyte further divides into the ootid and the second polar body.
    • The first polar body splits into two smaller cells.
  3. Cell Formation Outcome:

    • Four cells result from these divisions, each with a reduced number of chromosomes.
    • The end products include one large mature egg (ovum) and three smaller cells known as polar bodies.
    • The ovum loses its centrosome during the process.
    • The ovum is spherical with a thick cell wall (zona pellucida), a nucleus (germinal vesicle), and no centrosome.
  4. Unique Characteristics:

    • Ovum is the largest animal cell.
    • Maturation involves unequal cytoplasmic division, producing one mature ovum and three rudimentary polar bodies.

Fig: Schematic diagram of Oogenesis in Farm AnimalsFig: Schematic diagram of Oogenesis in Farm Animals

Question for Embryology of Vertebrates and Gametogenesis
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Which of the following is a unique characteristic of oogenesis?
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Spermatogenesis

  1. Origin of Germ Cells:

    • Male germ cells develop in the testes.
    • All germ cells come from primitive stem cells.
    • These stem cells, called spermatogonia, divide and some remain as stem cells.
  2. Maturation Process:

    • Spermatogonia undergo growth and become primary spermatocytes.
    • Primary spermatocytes divide into secondary spermatocytes, then into spermatids.
    • Cells reduce in size, and chromosome number is halved during divisions.
    • Spermatids transform into spermatozoa by losing cytoplasm and developing a tail.
  3. Significance of Maturation:

    • Prevents accumulation of chromatin and duplication of chromosomes.
    • Allows selection of genes for variation.

Comparison of Ovum and Spermatozoa:

  • Ovum:

    • Large, spheroidal, and inactive.
    • Has an egg-envelope.
    • Chromosome content: X.
    • No centrosome.
  • Spermatozoa:

    • Small, elongated, flagellate (mobile).
    • No egg-envelope.
    • Chromosome content: XY.
    • Has a centrosome.

Ovulation:

  1. Definition:

    • Ovulation is the release of the ovum from the follicle.
  2. Corpus Luteum Formation:

    • After ovulation, the Graafian follicle becomes the corpus luteum.
    • Its fate depends on fertilization.
  3. Post-Ovulation Outcomes:

    • No fertilization: Corpus luteum becomes corpus luteum of menstruation, then transforms into corpus albicans.
    • Fertilization occurs: Corpus luteum of menstruation grows into corpus luteum of pregnancy.
  4. Function of Corpus Luteum of Pregnancy:

    • Acts as an endocrine organ.
    • Secretes progesterone, preventing further ovulation during pregnancy.
    • Aids in embryo implantation and mammary gland growth.

Insemination and Semen:

  • Process:

    • Spermatic fluid introduced into the genital tract.
    • Sperms move towards the ovum in the uterine tube.
  • Volume of Semen:

    • Bull ejaculates about 5 ml of semen containing around 5000 million sperms.

Question for Embryology of Vertebrates and Gametogenesis
Try yourself:
Which of the following is true about oogenesis?
View Solution

Highlight:

  • Spermatogenesis: Formation of male germ cells through stages.
  • Ovulation: Release of ovum and corpus luteum formation.
  • Insemination: Introduction of spermatic fluid and meeting with the ovum.

Fig: Schematic Diagram of Spermatogenesis in Farm AnimalsFig: Schematic Diagram of Spermatogenesis in Farm Animals

The document Embryology of Vertebrates and Gametogenesis | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC is a part of the UPSC Course Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC.
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FAQs on Embryology of Vertebrates and Gametogenesis - Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC

1. What is the process of gametogenesis?
Ans. Gametogenesis is the process by which specialized cells called gametes are formed. In males, it refers to the production of sperm cells through spermatogenesis, while in females, it refers to the production of egg cells through oogenesis.
2. How does gametogenesis occur in aves and domestic mammals?
Ans. In aves, gametogenesis occurs in the gonads, which are the testes in males and the ovaries in females. Spermatogenesis takes place in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, leading to the formation of sperm cells. In females, oogenesis occurs in the ovaries, where immature eggs undergo meiosis to produce mature egg cells.
3. What are the key differences in gametogenesis between aves and domestic mammals?
Ans. One key difference is that in aves, both spermatogenesis and oogenesis occur in the same ovary, while in domestic mammals, the testes and ovaries are separate organs. Additionally, avian oocytes are large and contain a large amount of yolk, which is essential for embryonic development, while mammalian oocytes are relatively small and do not contain yolk.
4. How does the embryology of vertebrates differ between aves and domestic mammals?
Ans. The embryology of aves and domestic mammals differs in several aspects. Avian embryos develop outside the mother's body in eggs, while mammalian embryos develop inside the mother's uterus. Avian embryos have extraembryonic membranes, such as the amnion and chorion, which are absent in mammals. Furthermore, aves undergo a process called gastrulation, where the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) are formed, while this process is slightly different in mammals.
5. Can you provide an overview of the embryonic development of domestic mammals?
Ans. The embryonic development of domestic mammals begins with fertilization, where the sperm fertilizes the egg. This forms a zygote, which undergoes cell division and forms a blastocyst. The blastocyst then implants into the uterine wall, and further development occurs. The inner cell mass of the blastocyst develops into the embryo, while the outer layer forms extraembryonic membranes, including the amnion, chorion, and yolk sac. The embryo undergoes various stages of development, including gastrulation, organogenesis, and fetal development until birth.
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