What occurs in germinal cells during gamete formation

Options

A. One reduction division and one equational division
B. Two successive equational divisions
C. Two successive reduction divisions
D. Short prophase in divisions I

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Germinal Cells**: Germinal cells are specialized cells responsible for the formation of gametes (sperm and eggs) through a process called gametogenesis.

2. **Types of Gametogenesis**: There are two main types of gametogenesis:
- **Spermatogenesis**: The process of sperm formation in males.
- **Oogenesis**: The process of egg formation in females.

3. **Spermatogenesis Process**:
- It begins with a diploid germinal cell known as a **primary spermatocyte** (2n).
- The primary spermatocyte undergoes **meiosis I**, resulting in two **secondary spermatocytes** (n), which are haploid.
- Each secondary spermatocyte then undergoes **meiosis II**, producing a total of four **haploid spermatids**.
- These spermatids mature into sperm cells.

4. **Oogenesis Process**:
- It also starts with a diploid germinal cell called a **primary oocyte** (2n).
- The primary oocyte undergoes **meiosis I**, producing one large **secondary oocyte** (n) and a smaller **polar body** (n).
- The secondary oocyte then undergoes **meiosis II**, resulting in one mature ovum and additional polar bodies.
- The ovum is the functional gamete that can participate in fertilization.

5. **Key Divisions in Gamete Formation**:
- **Reductional Division**: This occurs during meiosis I, where the chromosome number is halved (from diploid to haploid).
- **Equational Division**: This occurs during meiosis II, where the haploid cells divide without a change in chromosome number.

6. **Conclusion**: In germinal cells during gamete formation, both a reductional division (meiosis I) and an equational division (meiosis II) occur, leading to the formation of haploid gametes.

### Final Answer:
During gamete formation in germinal cells, one reductional division (meiosis I) and one equational division (meiosis II) occur.

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