At what stage will mitosis resume and spermatogonia form while testosterone increases?

• A. Childhood
• B. Infancy
• C. Puberty
• D. Adulthood

Answer: (C)

During puberty, significant hormonal changes occur that stimulate the continuation of spermatogenesis in males. One of the key developments during this stage is the resumption of mitosis in spermatogonia, the stem cells that give rise to sperm.

Testosterone plays a crucial role in this process by promoting the maturation of spermatogonia into primary spermatocytes, which then proceed through meiosis to ultimately form sperm cells. At puberty, elevated levels of testosterone initiate the transformation of the male reproductive system, paving the way for the production of mature sperm and the ability to reproduce.

In contrast, during childhood and infancy, testosterone levels remain relatively low, and spermatogenesis is inactive. It is only at puberty that these hormone levels rise significantly, leading to the initiation of the processes necessary for sperm production. Adulthood refers to a stage after puberty when spermatogenesis is fully established, but the specific onset of this process occurs during puberty. As such, puberty is the correct stage when mitosis resumes in spermatogonia and testosterone levels increase.