Oogenesis is the process in the ovary that results in the production of female gametes . Which statement about oogenesis in humans is FALSE ?

Options

A. Oogenesis begins before birth
B. In oogenesis unequal cytokinesis results in one single large daughter cell which goes on to form the egg
C. At birth an ovary already contains all the cells it will ever have that will develop into eggs
D. Oogenesis continues throughout the life of the individual

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Oogenesis**: Oogenesis is the process by which female gametes (eggs) are produced in the ovaries. It begins during embryonic development and continues until menopause.

2. **Formation of Oogonia**: In the female fetus, oogonia (the precursor cells) are formed. Approximately 1 million oogonia are produced before birth.

3. **Development of Primary Oocytes**: These oogonia undergo mitosis and differentiation to become primary oocytes. By birth, the number of primary oocytes reduces to about 60,000 to 80,000.

4. **Meiosis in Oogenesis**: At puberty, primary oocytes begin the first meiotic division, resulting in a secondary oocyte and a polar body. The secondary oocyte is the larger cell that can potentially be fertilized.

5. **Unequal Cytokinesis**: During oogenesis, cytokinesis is unequal. This means that one daughter cell (the secondary oocyte) is significantly larger than the other (the polar body), which is a characteristic of oogenesis.

6. **Completion of Meiosis**: The secondary oocyte completes the second meiotic division only upon fertilization, producing a mature ovum and another polar body.

7. **Oogenesis and Menopause**: Oogenesis does not continue throughout a woman's life. It ceases at menopause, which typically occurs around the age of 50, marking the end of the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs.

8. **Identifying the False Statement**: Among the options provided regarding oogenesis:
- Option A: True - Oogenesis begins before birth.
- Option B: True - Unequal cytokinesis results in one large daughter cell (the egg).
- Option C: True - At birth, the ovary contains all the cells it will ever have that can develop into eggs.
- Option D: False - Oogenesis does not continue throughout the life of the individual; it stops at menopause.

**Conclusion**: The false statement about oogenesis in humans is option D, which claims that oogenesis continues throughout the life of the individual.

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