What do the polar bodies formed in oogenesis do?

In summary, the polar bodies formed during oogenesis serve the purpose of removing excess genetic material while retaining nutrients for the developing embryo. They are a by-product of the asymmetrical meiotic divisions and do not have a direct function in reproduction. There is no certainty as to whether or not they will be eliminated through evolution. Just like male nipples, they do not hinder reproduction and therefore are not selected against.
  • #1
garytse86
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What do the polar bodies formed in oogenesis do?
 
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  • #2
Here's useful website - http://distance.stcc.edu/AandP/AP/AP2pages/reprod/oogenesi.htm [Broken]

Apparently, it does nothing. Its just a by-product of the asymetric cytokinesis of the oocyte, giving one very very big ovum, and a tiny polar body. Makes sense I guess!
 
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  • #3
thanks a lot that makes sense, but surely such an useless production (the polar bodies) would be eliminated during the course of evolution!?
 
  • #4
There are no certainties in evolution. Wait a few million years and see...
 
  • #5
Aye, if they aren't hindering reproduction, there is nothing really selecting against them. Gary, I presume you are a male. What do your nipples do?
 
  • #6
The first polar body is formed, because the oocyte needs to get rid of 23 chromosomes that were produced during mitosis, and thus goes through the first asymmetrical meiotic devision.

The second polar body is formed when the primary oocyte has to get rid of the duplicated chromosome that is still attached to the original chromosome, so it goes through the second asymmetrical meiotic division.

The meiotic divisions are asymmetrical, since the embryo-to-be, needs as many nutrients as it can get (the egg is the largest cell in the body).

So the polar bodies definitely have a function, to take out the excess of genetic material with the least loss of nutrients.

The following image shows what actually is happening with the chromosomes
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/O/oogenesis.gif [Broken]
 
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  • #7
aychamo said:
Aye, if they aren't hindering reproduction, there is nothing really selecting against them. Gary, I presume you are a male. What do your nipples do?

Yes I am a male :cool:






And thanks a lot Monique, it was difficult to find the uses of the polar bodies
:biggrin:
 

1. What are polar bodies formed in oogenesis?

Polar bodies are small, non-functional cells that are formed during oogenesis, the process of egg cell development in females.

2. How are polar bodies formed?

Polar bodies are formed through the process of meiosis, specifically during the first and second meiotic divisions. As the egg cell divides, it produces one functional egg cell and one or more polar bodies.

3. What is the purpose of polar bodies in oogenesis?

The primary purpose of polar bodies is to provide a mechanism for the egg cell to eliminate excess genetic material. They also help to regulate the size of the egg cell and ensure that only one functional egg cell is produced per meiotic division.

4. Do polar bodies have any other functions?

No, polar bodies do not have any other known functions in oogenesis or in the female reproductive system. They are simply discarded by the body after being formed.

5. Can polar bodies be used in fertility treatments or reproductive technologies?

No, polar bodies do not have the potential to develop into a viable embryo and therefore cannot be used in fertility treatments or reproductive technologies.

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