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Ch. 46 - Animal Reproduction
Chapter 46, Problem 8

Which statement about human reproduction is true? (A)Fertilization occurs in the vagina. (B)Spermatogenesis and oogenesis both require normal body temperature. (C)An oocyte completes meiosis after a sperm penetrates it. (D)The earliest stages of spermatogenesis occur closest to the lumen of the seminiferous tubules.

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1
Identify the location of fertilization in the human reproductive system. Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tubes, not the vagina, eliminating option (A).
Consider the temperature requirements for spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Spermatogenesis occurs in the testes and requires a temperature slightly below normal body temperature, which is why the testes are located outside the body in the scrotum. Oogenesis occurs in the ovaries, which are inside the body and thus at normal body temperature. Therefore, option (B) is incorrect.
Review the process of oocyte maturation and fertilization. An oocyte completes its second meiotic division only after a sperm penetrates it, resulting in the formation of a mature ovum and a second polar body. This supports option (C) as true.
Analyze the process of spermatogenesis in relation to the structure of the seminiferous tubules. Spermatogenesis begins at the outermost layer of cells in the seminiferous tubules and progresses towards the lumen as the cells mature. Thus, the earliest stages do not occur closest to the lumen, making option (D) incorrect.
Conclude that the correct answer is (C) 'An oocyte completes meiosis after a sperm penetrates it.' as it is the only statement that is biologically accurate.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Fertilization

Fertilization is the process where a sperm cell unites with an oocyte (egg) to form a zygote. In humans, this typically occurs in the fallopian tubes, not the vagina. Understanding the correct location of fertilization is crucial for evaluating statements about human reproduction.
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Meiosis in Oogenesis

Oogenesis is the process of egg formation in females, which involves meiosis. An oocyte completes its second meiotic division only after fertilization occurs, resulting in a mature ovum. This concept is essential for understanding the timing of meiosis in relation to fertilization.
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Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm cell development in males, occurring in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The earliest stages of spermatogenesis occur farthest from the lumen, with mature sperm cells located closer to the lumen. This spatial arrangement is important for understanding male reproductive biology.
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