Oogenesis

• Oogenesis is the process of formation of female gametes, through which ova (egg cells) are formed and produced
• Oogonium:

  • An oogonium (plural oogonia) is an immature ovum
  • Formed in large numbers early in fetal life from primordial germ cells
• Primary oocyte:

  • Produced by mitosis
  • Diploid and have 46 chromosomes, like oogonia
• Ootids:

  • As a result of meiosis, each ootid contains only half of the genetic material present in the original primary oocyte
• Secondary oocyte:

  • Produced by first meiotic division, meiosis I
  • Produces 1 secondary oocyte, a haploid cell with 23 chromosomes and a polar body
• Ovum:

  • Ovulation: The ootid develops into a mature ovum
  • The polar bodies eventually disintegrate at the end of the process