Question

How many viable cells are produced by oogenesis? a. four b. three c. one d. two

Short answer

In oogenesis, only one viable cell is produced, which is the mature ovum. The other cells produced, the polar bodies, are not viable. Therefore, the correct answer is c. one.

Step-by-step solution

Understand oogenesis

Oogenesis is the process in which female germ cells develop into mature ova or egg cells. This process has several stages: oogonium, primary oocyte, secondary oocyte, and mature ovum. The primary oocyte undergoes meiosis I to produce one large secondary oocyte and a small polar body. The secondary oocyte goes through meiosis II, producing one large mature ovum and another polar body.

Review the process and count viable cells

During oogenesis, two polar bodies and one mature ovum are produced. The polar bodies are not viable cells, as they are too small and do not have the necessary cellular machinery to be fertilized by a sperm cell. Only the mature ovum is viable. So, there is only one viable cell produced by oogenesis. Answer: c. one