Gametogenesis on the MCAT

MCAT
ham_bio_geneticist.jpgImagine programming your food to play!

Spermatogenesis is a pretty complicated process, and can easily seem intimidating. However, it’s important to remember that the MCAT is a test that asks you to know a little bit about a lot of topics. Therefore, let’s focus on the most testable part of gametogenesis for the purposes of the MCAT: the differences between males and females. (Before you start to study gametogenesis, make sure you have a handle on the processes of mitosis and meiosis!)

First, an overview of gametogenesis:Screen_Shot_2015-12-03_at_10.27.46_AM.png

These are the basic steps of gametogenesis without any “complications.” A diploid germ cell replicates through mitosis and then divides into haploid gametes through two rounds of meiosis. Now let’s move onto female gametogenesis, which involves the SAME basic steps (a diploid germ cell replicates through mitosis and then divides into haploid gametes through two rounds of meiosis). However, these steps occur on a different timeline, and result in only one gamete per germ cell.

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The table below highlights the differences in gametogenesis between the sexes.

Screen_Shot_2015-12-03_at_10.30.51_AM.png

And there you have it! For more relevant reading, check out these other blog posts, written by our private MCAT tutors in NYC, Boston, and online: When Should I Take the MCAT?,Getting an MCAT Study Buddy, and 4 Last Minute Tips to Raise Your Verbal Score.

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Emily holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MD from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She's currently completing training in gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Hospital.

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