spermatocyte

views updated Jun 27 2018

spermatocyte A diploid cell that undergoes meiosis and forms four spermatids. A primary spermatocyte undergoes the first meiotic division to form two secondary spermatocytes. These then divide (the second meiotic division) to produce two spermatids each (i.e. a total of four haploid cells).

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

spermatocyte

views updated May 14 2018

sper·mat·o·cyte / spərˈmatəˌsīt/ • n. Biol. a cell produced at the second stage in the formation of spermatozoa, formed from a spermatogonium and dividing by meiosis into spermatids.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

spermatocyte

views updated Jun 11 2018

spermatocyte A diploid cell in the testis that divides by meiosis to give rise to four spermatids (see spermatogenesis). A primary spermatocyte develops from a spermatogonium. Two secondary spermatocytes result from the first meiotic division of a primary spermatocyte; each of these produces two spermatids after the second meiotic division.

A Dictionary of Biology