- What is a spermatid?
- What is a sperm?
- The 5 main differences between spermatid and sperm
- 1- As for its shape
- 2- As for the core
- 3- Regarding the mitochondria
- 4- Regarding the displacement
- 5- Regarding fertilization capacity
- References
The main difference between sperm and spermatid is that, while a sperm is a mature sex cell, the spermatid is still an immature cell.
To become a sperm, the spermatid will have to undergo a process known as spermiogenesis.
Both types of cells have many things in common; for example, they only contain half the chromosomes of the rest of the cells in the human body. However, they are also quite different.
Both types of cells are closely related, since spermatid is the raw material for creating new sperm.
What is a spermatid?
The spermatid is a haploid cell; that is, it is a cell that only contains half the chromosomes of the rest of the cells in the human body. It is the precursor of male gametes, also known as sperm.
Spermatids are formed through a process known as meiosis, which occurs in the testicles.
Although they are genetically the same as sperm, their appearance is very different: they resemble other animal cells, only with half the chromosomes.
Therefore, spermatids are circular in shape, looking like a cell with all its organelles intact.
Once they undergo the process known as spermogenesis, they transform into proper sperm.
What is a sperm?
Sperm are the male gametes: that is, the cells responsible for transmitting genetic information from the father to his descendants.
When they unite with an egg they are able to create a zygote, which will later develop into a new life.
Like spermatids, they have half the chromosomes of the rest of the cells in the human body, which is why they are known as haploid cells. However, their appearance and functionality are very different.
Sperm are elongated cells, divided into three clearly differentiated parts: a head (which contains DNA), a body, and a tail or flagellum to move in search of the egg. This aspect is acquired after spermogenesis.
The 5 main differences between spermatid and sperm
1- As for its shape
While spermatids are large, round cells, with all their organelles still present, sperm are totally different from other cells in the body.
They have an elongated shape, divided into three different parts. They have also lost most of their organelles, with the exception of the mitochondria.
2- As for the core
The nucleus of the spermatid is large and rounded. In sperm, on the other hand, it is elongated and much smaller.
3- Regarding the mitochondria
Mitochondria (the organelles that give cells energy) are dispersed in spermatids.
On the other hand, in sperm they are concentrated near the flagellum to provide it with greater mobility.
4- Regarding the displacement
While spermatids are immobile, sperm are characterized by being able to move great distances thanks to the flagellum.
5- Regarding fertilization capacity
Sperm are the only cells that can fertilize an egg; spermatids do not have this ability.
References
- "Spermatid" in: Wikipedia. Retrieved on: December 18, 2017 from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- "What is a spermatid?" in: Instituto Bernabeu. Retrieved on: December 18, 2017 from Instituto Bernabeu: institutobernabeu.com
- "Spermatozoa" in: Wikipedia. Retrieved on: December 18, 2017 from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- "Spermatid" in: Science Direct. Retrieved on: December 18, 2017 from Science Direct: sciencedirect.com
- "Explain the difference between a spermatozoa and a spermatid" in: Socratic. Retrieved on: December 18, 2017 from Socratic: socratic.org