What does oogenesis mean?
Oogenesis is the biological process through which egg cells develop within the ovaries. It begins with an immature female germ cell and involves growth, meiosis, and other changes that prepare the cell for potential fertilization and embryo development. Although often discussed as a single continuous process, oogenesis includes distinct stages that can extend over many years in humans: a primary oocyte forms before birth, remains arrested in the ovary through much of its life, and resumes maturation in the menstrual cycle. The term is primarily used in reproductive biology, embryology, endocrinology, and medical research. It should not be confused with ovulation, which is the subsequent release of a mature egg from the ovary, or with embryogenesis, which begins after fertilization and concerns the development of the embryo. Oogenesis is especially notable because it includes both cell division and extensive preparation of the cytoplasm and organelles needed to support early embryonic development.
nounThe biological process by which egg cells, or ova, develop in the ovaries. It includes the maturation of immature germ cells through meiosis and the preparation of cells that may later be released during ovulation.
- The process by which female reproductive cells, or ova, are formed and mature within the ovaries.
"Hormonal changes regulate oogenesis, ensuring that the ovaries produce mature egg cells in preparation for possible fertilization."
"Oogenesis resumes in some mammals after a period of developmental arrest in the ovaries."
"The researchers used imaging to study blood flow to the ovarian follicles during oogenesis."
The plural is grammatical but uncommon, appearing mainly in scientific and comparative discussions.
"Researchers compared oogeneses across several species of fish."
Before ovulation, an egg cell must undergo oogenesis: a demanding process of growth, maturation, and halving its chromosome complement in preparation for possible fertilization.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does oogenesis come from?
The word combines the combining form oo-, derived from Greek oion, meaning “egg,” with genesis, from Greek gennesis, meaning “origin” or “birth.” It was formed within Greek-derived scientific vocabulary to name the process of producing ova. The same Greek root for “egg” appears in terms such as oocyte and oology, while the Latin ovum lies behind ovary and ovum itself.
Related word forms
How oogenesis is actually used
This is a technical biological term used mainly in reproductive biology, embryology, endocrinology, and medical research. In ordinary English, it is less common than the broader phrase “egg formation.”
Easily confused with oogenesis
Oogenesis is the formation and maturation of egg cells, whereas ovulation is the release of a mature egg from an ovary.
Oogenesis produces the female reproductive cell, while embryogenesis is the development of an embryo from a fertilized egg.