Editing Spermatogenesis (section)

== Purpose ==
Spermatogenesis produces mature male gametes, commonly called ''sperm''  but more specifically known as ''spermatozoa'', which are able to fertilize the counterpart female gamete, the [[oocyte]], during [[Conception (biology)|conception]] to produce a single-celled individual known as a [[zygote]]. This is the cornerstone of [[sexual reproduction]] and involves the two gametes both contributing half the normal set of [[chromosome]]s ([[haploid]]) to result in a chromosomally normal ([[diploid]]) zygote.

To preserve the number of chromosomes in the offspring – which differs between [[species]] – one of each gamete must have half the usual number of chromosomes present in other body cells. Otherwise, the offspring will have twice the normal number of chromosomes, and serious abnormalities may result. In humans, chromosomal abnormalities arising from incorrect spermatogenesis results in congenital defects and abnormal birth defects ([[Down syndrome]], [[Klinefelter syndrome]]) and in most cases, [[spontaneous abortion]] of the developing foetus.