Oocyták

An oocyte is a female germ cell that gives rise to an ovum after fertilization. It is the precursor to the egg cell. In the development of a female gamete, oocytes are formed during oogenesis. The process begins with oogonia, which are diploid cells that multiply by mitosis. Subsequently, oogonia differentiate into primary oocytes, which then enter meiosis.

Primary oocytes are arrested in prophase I of meiosis until ovulation. Upon ovulation, if fertilization occurs, the secondary oocyte completes meiosis II, resulting in a mature ovum and a polar body. If fertilization does not occur, the secondary oocyte degenerates. The size of an oocyte is significantly larger than that of a sperm cell, as it contains the necessary nutrients and cellular machinery to support early embryonic development.

Oocytes are produced in the ovaries of female animals. Their development is influenced by hormonal cycles. The quality and number of oocytes are crucial factors in female fertility. Advancements in reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization, involve the retrieval and fertilization of oocytes.