From a mechanistic perspective, what do primary oocytes do that prevents them from producing 4 gametes per primary oocyte?

Answer 1

Hi Alizee. I'm not sure how much detail you would like for this answer.

The simplest answer is: through the creation of polar bodies.

The primary oocyte divides into a polar body and a secondary oocyte. The secondary oocyte then divides again into a polar body and the mature ovum. At the same time, the polar body divides again into 2 more polar bodies. The end result is 1 mature ovum per primary oocyte and 3 polar bodies which disintegrate.

This is important because during meiosis, 4 cells are created. Oogenesis prevents the production of 4 gametes through asymmetric division and the creation of smaller polar bodies.

Let me know if you would like more details on the mechanism of the creation of the polar bodies if that is more related to your question!