Question

Are females born with all of their primary oocytes?

Answer 1

Primary oocytes:

1. Primary oocyte is formed from oogonium (or primordial germ cells) during oogenesis. Oogenesis refers to the formation of female gametes.
2. Primary oocytes are usually formed by the 5th month during fetal development. It enters the prophase of meiosis-I and remains dormant till puberty.
3. Each primary oocyte along with the surrounding layer of granulosa cells makes up the primary follicle.
4. Females are born with all of their primary oocytes. Around 4,00,000 lakh primordial follicles are said to be present at the time of birth.
5. A huge number of primary follicles degenerate before reaching puberty.