Question

During oogenesis, each diploid cell produces ______.

Options

• four functional eggs

• two functional eggs and two polar bodies

• one functional egg and three polar bodies

• four functional polar bodies

Answer 1

During oogenesis, each diploid cell produces one functional egg and three polar bodies.

Explanation:

• During oogenesis, a diploid primary oocyte undergoes meiosis I to produce one large secondary oocyte and a smaller polar body.
• The secondary oocyte undergoes meiosis II after fertilization to form one functional ovum and a second polar body.
• The first polar body may also divide to form two smaller polar bodies.
• Therefore, from one diploid cell, oogenesis results in one functional egg (ovum) and three polar bodies which are non-functional and eventually degenerate.