Final answer:
Spermatogenesis results in the formation of four functional sperm from each primary spermatocyte, taking place in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Spermatogenesis is the process by which sperm are produced by the male reproductive system, specifically in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. This process begins with the division of spermatogonia, which are diploid stem cells located at the periphery of the seminiferous tubules. Through mitosis, one of these cells will differentiate into a primary spermatocyte while the other continues as a spermatogonial stem cell.
The primary spermatocyte undergoes meiosis I to form two haploid secondary spermatocytes. Each secondary spermatocyte then goes through meiosis II to produce two haploid spermatids. Ultimately, from each primary spermatocyte, four haploid sperm are generated. These mature sperm cells each have 23 chromosomes and are capable of fertilizing an egg.
The entire process of spermatogenesis, from spermatogonia to formed sperm, takes approximately 64 days, with a new cycle beginning roughly every 16 days. While sperm production typically continues throughout a man's life, the number may decrease with age and other factors such as smoking.
Therefore, spermatogenesis results in the formation of four functional sperm from each primary spermatocyte.