äggcell

An äggcell, also known as an ovum or egg cell, is the female gamete or reproductive cell in animals. It is a haploid cell, meaning it contains half the number of chromosomes of a somatic cell. In humans, an äggcell contains 23 chromosomes, while a somatic cell contains 46. The äggcell is typically much larger than the sperm cell, the male gamete, and contains a significant amount of cytoplasm, which provides nourishment for the developing embryo after fertilization.

The äggcell is produced in the ovaries through a process called oogenesis. This process begins before birth and continues throughout a woman's reproductive years. During ovulation, a mature äggcell is released from the ovary and travels into the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by a sperm. If fertilization occurs, the äggcell fuses with the sperm cell to form a diploid zygote, which then develops into an embryo. If fertilization does not occur, the äggcell degenerates and is expelled from the body during menstruation.

The äggcell is essential for sexual reproduction. It carries half of the genetic material from the mother and contributes to the genetic diversity of offspring. The large size and nutrient-rich cytoplasm of the äggcell are crucial for supporting the initial stages of embryonic development. The process of oogenesis ensures that only one mature äggcell is typically released at a time, which is a key factor in regulating fertility.