Final answer:
In oogenesis, the primary oocyte divides to eventually form one well-nourished ovum and smaller polar bodies. These polar bodies degenerate, ensuring that the ovum receives a majority of the cytoplasm, nutrients, and organelles necessary for the early stages of embryo development.
Step-by-step explanation:
In oogenesis, one of the goals is to provide an ovum (egg cell) with a high level of nutrients to support early development. During oogenesis, what is known as a germ cell, called an oogonium, undergoes mitosis to increase in number. Eventually, these cells develop into primary oocytes. As a primary oocyte undergoes the first division of meiosis, it forms a secondary oocyte and a smaller cell called a polar body. The secondary oocyte remains in a suspended state unless it's fertilized by a sperm. If fertilization occurs, the secondary oocyte continues with the second division of meiosis, resulting in a mature ovum and another polar body.
The process of oogenesis ensures that the resulting ovum is endowed with ample cytoplasm, organelles, and nutrients necessary for the early stages of embryo development. This unequal cytoplasmic division during meiosis produces one larger cell with considerable reserves and smaller polar bodies which eventually degenerate. The polar bodies receive very little of the cytoplasm and do not develop into ova. This distribution allows the ovum to be well-prepared with all the necessary nutrients and cell machinery to support the embryo until it can establish a connection with maternal resources for further nourishment.