n. the process by which spermatozoa and ova are formed. In both sexes the precursor cells undergo *meiosis, which halves the number of chromosomes. However, the timing of events and the size and number of gametes produced are very different in the male and female. See oogenesis; spermatogenesis.
a class of chemotherapy drugs that includes *cyclophosphamide, *ifosfamide, and *melphalan. These drugs bind to DNA and prevent complete separation of the two DNA chains during cell division. Side-effects are those of other *cytotoxic drugs; in addition, alkylating agents interfere with *gametogenesis and may cause sterility in men.... alkylating agents
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