Abstract
This chapter discusses oocyte maturation. The outstanding phenomenon associated with sexual reproduction in animals is that every cell of an individual derives from a single germ cell. Accordingly, it is thought that germ cells, in contrast to somatic cells, retain developmental totipotentiality throughout the life of the individual. Germ cells become as highly differentiated as somatic cells during ontogenesis. In female germ cells, this specialization begins during the very early stages of life. The cells enter meiosis at the fetal or larval stage. Before they begin to grow, meiosis proceeds to the terminal stage of the first meiotic prophase, the diplotene stage. Growing primary oocytes have an enormously enlarged nucleus called the “germinal vesicle (GV).” Characteristically, it contains lampbrush chromosomes which have been actively engaged in RNA synthesis. Toward the end of the growth period the loops of the lampbrush chromosomes regress after which the oocytes enter a stationary state that persists until ovulation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
