Question

Newly released mammalian egg is primarily covered by

• A. Vitelline membrane
  
• B. All of the above
  
• C. Zona pellucida
• D. Plasma membrane
  

Answer 1

The correct option is C Zona pellucida

Secondary oocyte
The newly released mammalian egg from the ovary is in the secondary oocyte stage arrested in the metaphase of meiosis II.

Plasma membrane
Plasma membrane is the general membrane enclosing all cells in animals. It surrounds the cytoplasm of the secondary oocyte.

Vitelline membrane
A narrow perivitelline space is present outside the plasma membrane. Vitelline membrane is the outer covering of the ovum, present interior of zona pellucida.

Zona pellucida
Zona pellucida is a glycoprotein layer secreted by the follicular cells that primarily surrounds the plasma membrane of the ovum. It is secreted by the secondary oocyte before ovulation.

Final answer
(C) Zona pellucida