vitellogenic

Vitellogenic refers to the stage in oogenesis, the process of egg cell development, where yolk is actively synthesized and deposited into the developing oocyte. This yolk, or vitellus, is a nutrient-rich substance primarily composed of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, which will nourish the embryo during its early development after fertilization. The vitellogenic phase is characterized by the uptake of vitellogenin, a precursor protein synthesized in the liver of the female and transported through the bloodstream to the ovary. Within the oocyte, vitellogenin is processed and incorporated into yolk granules. The accumulation of yolk is a critical step, as it provides the essential building blocks and energy reserves for the developing embryo before it can sustain itself independently. The rate and extent of vitellogenesis vary significantly among different species, reflecting differences in their reproductive strategies and embryonic development. This process is regulated by hormones, such as estrogens and gonadotropins, which stimulate the production and uptake of vitellogenin.