page_title: Oocyte
section_title: Formation
hierarchical_section_title: Oocyte / Formation
caption_attribution_description: Diagram showing the reduction in number of the chromosomes in the process of maturation of the ovum.
context_page_description: An oocyte, oöcyte, ovocyte, or rarely ocyte, is a female gametocyte or germ cell involved in reproduction. In other words, it is an immature ovum, or egg cell. An oocyte is produced in the ovary during female gametogenesis. The female germ cells produce a primordial germ cell, which then undergoes mitosis, forming oogonia. During oogenesis, the oogonia become primary oocytes. An oocyte is a form of genetic material that can be collected for cryoconservation. Cryoconservation of animal genetic resources has been put into action as a means of conserving traditional livestock.
context_section_description: The formation of an oocyte is called oocytogenesis, which is a part of oogenesis. Oogenesis results in the formation of both primary oocytes during fetal period, and of secondary oocytes after it as part of ovulation.
caption: Diagram showing the reduction in number of the chromosomes in the process of maturation of the ovum; the process is known as meiosis.
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