oogenesis

oogenesis /oo·gen·e·sis/ (o?o-jen´e-sis) the process of formation of female gametes (oocytes).oogenet´ic

Oogenesis, depicting only six of the 46 double-stranded chromosomes (oogonium, primary oocyte), three of the 23 double-stranded chromosomes (secondary oocyte, first polar body), and three of the 23 single-stranded chromosomes (second polar body, spermatozoon, and female and male pronuclei) in human oogenesis, and showing random assortment of homologous chromosome pairs. Crossing over, which may occur in meiosis I, has been omitted. Progression through meiosis II is only completed if fertilization occurs; the spermatozoon and male pronucleus are depicted out of scale for clarity.

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o·o·gen·e·sis (-jn-ss)

n.

The formation and the development of the ovum. Also called ovigenesis.

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oo·ge·netic (-j-ntk) adj.

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oogenesis

the development of mature ova from oogonia. See also avian oogenesis.