Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Spermatogenesis is the process by which male germ cells develop into mature spermatozoa within the seminiferous tubules of the testes.
This process involves mitotic division, followed by two successive meiotic divisions.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us review the sequential stages of spermatogenesis:
1. Spermatogonia (diploid stem cells) undergo mitotic divisions to maintain their population and differentiate into primary spermatocytes.
2. Primary spermatocytes undergo the first meiotic division (Meiosis I), which is a reduction division, to form haploid secondary spermatocytes.
3. Secondary spermatocytes immediately enter the second meiotic division (Meiosis II), which is an equational division, to form haploid spermatids.
4. Spermatids then undergo a non-divisive morphogenetic transformation called spermiogenesis to become mature spermatozoa.
Therefore, the second meiotic division directly forms spermatids.
Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (D).