Expert: Walter Hintz - 4/29/2009

Question
Oogenesis in the female results in one functional gamete, the egg, or ovum. What other cells are produced during this process? What is the significance of this rather wasteful type of gamete production - that is, production of a single functional gamete instead of four, as seen in males?

Answer
 Hi Anna
Only one egg is needed for reproduction ih humans while millions are sperms are necessary. There are fewer oogonial cells then spermatagonial cells but if every oogonial cell produced a mature ovum it would be even a greater waste on energy.  Each sperm cell is necessary.