During oogenesis in humans, three additional haploid cells are produced alongside the oocyte. What are these cells called?

• A. Spermatids
• B. Blastomeres
• C. Polar bodies
• D. Zygotes

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of oogenesis: Oogenesis is the formation of the female gamete (egg cell) in humans. It occurs in the ovaries and involves meiosis, a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing haploid cells.
2. Recognize the key stages of meiosis during oogenesis: During meiosis I and II, the primary oocyte divides asymmetrically to produce one large cell (the secondary oocyte or ovum) and smaller cells called polar bodies. This asymmetry ensures that most of the cytoplasm is retained in the oocyte, which is necessary for embryonic development.
3. Identify the role of polar bodies: Polar bodies are small haploid cells that are produced as a byproduct of oogenesis. They typically do not participate in fertilization and often degenerate. Their formation is a mechanism to discard excess genetic material while preserving cytoplasm in the oocyte.
4. Differentiate polar bodies from other terms: Spermatids are male gametes formed during spermatogenesis, blastomeres are cells formed during early embryonic cleavage, and zygotes are the result of fertilization between an egg and sperm. Polar bodies are unique to oogenesis and are not involved in these processes.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is 'Polar bodies': Based on the explanation above, the additional haploid cells produced alongside the oocyte during oogenesis are called polar bodies.