Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.
Assertion A: Leydig cells synthesise and secrete male testicular hormones called androgens.
Reason R: Androgens, stimulate the process of spermatogenesis.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Both A and R are correct and R is NOT the correct explanation of A
Assertion A: Leydig cells synthesise and secrete male testicular hormones called androgens. — Correct. The Leydig (interstitial) cells lie between the seminiferous tubules. Under the action of LH they make and secrete androgens.
Reason R: Androgens, stimulate the process of spermatogenesis. — Correct. Androgens stimulate spermatogenesis.
Why R does not explain A? A is about where androgens come from: the Leydig cells make them because LH from the anterior pituitary acts on them. R tells what androgens do after they are made (they stimulate spermatogenesis). That is the job of the hormone, not the reason the Leydig cells secrete it. So both statements are correct, but R is not the explanation of A.
NCERT Extract:
Gametogenesis – “… Spermatogenesis starts at the age of puberty due to significant increase in the secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). This, if you recall, is a hypothalamic hormone. The increased levels of GnRH then acts at the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates secretion of two gonadotropins – luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). LH acts at the Leydig cells and stimulates synthesis and secretion of androgens. Androgens, in turn, stimulate the process of spermatogenesis.”