Final answer:
The secondary oocyte will degenerate approximately within 24 hours if it is not fertilized by a spermatozoon.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the secondary oocyte is not fertilized by a spermatozoon, it will degenerate typically within approximately 24 hours. The oocyte passes through the fallopian tube, and if it does not encounter sperm and is not fertilized, it does not complete meiosis II and will disintegrate either in the fallopian tube or, ultimately, may be shed from the woman’s body during the next menstrual period. If the secondary oocyte is not fertilized by a spermatozoon, it will degenerate typically within approximately 24 hours. A secondary oocyte’s lifespan is much shorter than that of sperm; therefore, timing is critical for fertilization to occur.