# Spermatogenesis vs Spermiogenesis in Human Cells – Key Differences

> Spermatogenesis is the process of the formation of haploid sperms from a diploid stem cell known as spermatogonium.

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Author: Sourav Pan
Last updated: August 22, 2026

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## Spermatogenesis

- Spermatogenesis is the process of the formation of haploid sperms from a diploid stem cell known as spermatogonium.
- The process occurs inside the seminiferous tubules in the testis.
- The entire process takes about 70 days.
- Spermatogenic germ cells are called spermatogonia.
- Spermatogonia are stem cells that are capable of self-renewing. 
- They differentiate into intermediate spermatogonium, which is committed to differentiating into spermatozoa.

## Oogenesis

- Oogenesis is the process of formation of the ovum. 
- The process occurs in the ovaries of the female. 
- One oogonium produces a single ovum.
- Primary oocyte is the diploid cell, which is divided by meiosis, forming a single ovum.
- Oogenic germ cells are called oogonia, which are stem cells, self-renewing and differentiating into ova.

## Difference Between Spermatogenesis and Spermiogenesis

PropertiesSpermatogenesisOogenesisDefinitionThe production of sperms from spermatogonia is called spermatogenesis.The production of eggs from oogonia is called oogenesis.OogenesisOccurs in maleOccurs in femaleGrowth phaseToo shortProlongedFormationSeminiferous tubules of testisIn ovariesProcessProduction of sperms from spermatogoniaProduction of ovum from oogoniaCell DivisionAll spermatogonia are divided by meiosis, producing sperms all the times.Some of the oogonia divide during the production of eggs, one at a time.ContinuitySpermatogenesis is a continuous process, occurring after the puberty till death.Early stages of the oogenesis occurs during the fetal period. The rest of the process occurs after the puberty. Only one ovum is produced per month until menopause.Production of ovum from oogoniaContinuous, occurs after the puberty till deathDiscontinuous, occurs after the puberty until menopauseNuclear condensationFoundAbsentSertoli cells Sertoli cells are found in the germinal cell epithelium, supporting the germinal cells. No Sertoli cells are found in the germinal cell epithelium. Food reserveSperm contains less food reserveOvum contain a lot of food reserveStagesAll stages occurs inside the testisExcept the last stage which occurs in oviduct, all stages occurs inside the ovarygerm line epitheliumInvolved in gamete productionNot involvedLocationOccurs entirely in testes Occurs mostly in ovariesMeiotic DivisionEqual division of cellsUnequal division of cytoplasmPrimary GametocytePrimary spermatocyte is divided by meiosis 1, forming two secondary spermatocytes.Primary oocyte is divided by meiosis 1, forming a secondary oocyte and one polar body.Secondary GametocyteSecondary spermatocyte is divided by meiosis 2, forming two spermatids.Secondary oocyte is divided by meiosis 2, forming ovum and one polar body.CytokinesisEqualUnequalNumber of gametes produced4 1 (plus 2 -3 polar bodies)Size of gametesSperm smaller than spermatocytesOva larger than oocytesDurationUninterrupted processIn arrested processOnsetbeings at puberty Begins in foetus (pre-natal)ReleasecontinuousMonthly from puberty (menstrual cycle)Initiation of processBegins at puberty Begins  even before birthMotilitySperm are motileOvum is immotileStarting cellsStart from a primary spermatocyte Start from a primary oocyteResultForms four motile male gametes i.e. spermsForms one non-motile female gamete i.e. ovumReleasingSperms are released from the testisOocytes are released from the ovary which matures later

## References

- https://biologyreader.com/difference-between-spermatogenesis-and-oogenesis.html
- [https://ib.bioninja.com.au/higher-level/topic-11-animal-physiology/114-sexual-reproduction/gametogenesis.html](https://ib.bioninja.com.au/higher-level/topic-11-animal-physiology/114-sexual-reproduction/gametogenesis.html)
- https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-spermatogenesis-and-vs-oogenesis/