The process whose specific outcome is the progression of an immature germ cell over time, from its formation to the mature structure (gamete). A germ cell is any reproductive cell in a multicellular organism.

The process of formation of spermatozoa, including spermatocytogenesis and spermiogenesis.

Any process in which RNA molecules inactivate expression of target genes.

The chemical reactions and pathways involving piRNAs, Piwi-associated RNAs, a class of 24- to 30-nucleotide RNA derived from repeat or complex DNA sequence elements and processed by a Dicer-independent mechanism.

The covalent transfer of a methyl group to C-5 of cytosine that contributes to the establishment of DNA methylation patterns in the gamete.

All of the contents of a cell excluding the plasma membrane and nucleus, but including other subcellular structures.

The part of the cytoplasm that does not contain organelles but which does contain other particulate matter, such as protein complexes.

A ribonucleoprotein complex found in the cytoplasm of male germ cells, composed of exceedingly thin filaments that are consolidated into a compact mass or into dense strands of varying thickness that branch to form an irregular network. Contains mRNAs, miRNAs, and protein components involved in miRNA processing (such as Argonaute proteins and the endonuclease Dicer) and in RNA decay (such as the decapping enzyme DCP1a and GW182).

A small cytoplasmic, non-membranous RNA/protein complex aggregates in the primordial germ cells of many higher eukaryotes.

A P granule that contains the PIWIL2-TDRD1 module, a set of proteins that act in the primary piRNA pathway. The pi-body corresponds to the cementing material between mitochondria found in gonocytes.

A macromolecular complex containing both protein and RNA molecules.