What significant event occurs to most germ cells before birth?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about a significant event that occurs to germ cells prior to birth, specifically focusing on their development and fate.
Answer
Most germ cells in females start meiosis and become oocytes, arresting in prophase I before birth.
Most germ cells, specifically oogonia, in females enter meiosis and become oocytes, arresting in prophase I of meiosis before birth.
Answer for screen readers
Most germ cells, specifically oogonia, in females enter meiosis and become oocytes, arresting in prophase I of meiosis before birth.
More Information
In females, primordial germ cells migrate into the ovaries by week 4 of development. They differentiate into oogonia, enter meiosis I, but halt at a stage called prophase I. These oocytes remain arrested until they resume development at puberty.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming the process continues without pause. Understanding that meiosis is arrested in prophase I until puberty is crucial.
Sources
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information