Oocyte

Definition

An oocyte is an immature egg cell produced in the ovaries of female organisms during the process of oogenesis. It matures into a viable ovum through the process of meiosis, ready for fertilization.

Related terms

Oogenesis:

The process by which the female gametes, or oocytes, are produced in the ovaries.

Follicle: A fluid-filled sac in the ovary that contains and nourishes the developing oocyte.

Meiosis:

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half and is essential for sexual reproduction, leading to the formation of mature eggs and sperm