- #1
garytse86
- 311
- 0
What do the polar bodies formed in oogenesis do?
What do the polar bodies formed in oogenesis do?
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the role and significance of polar bodies formed during oogenesis, exploring their function, evolutionary implications, and biological rationale. The scope includes conceptual understanding and evolutionary biology.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that polar bodies are merely by-products of asymmetric cytokinesis, resulting in one large ovum and smaller polar bodies.
- Others question the evolutionary rationale behind the existence of polar bodies, suggesting that if they serve no purpose, they would likely be eliminated over time.
- A participant argues that polar bodies do have a function, specifically in the context of meiotic divisions, as they help eliminate excess genetic material while preserving nutrients for the developing egg.
- There is a humorous exchange regarding the evolutionary significance of seemingly unnecessary biological features, such as male nipples, drawing a parallel to the polar bodies.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the function and evolutionary significance of polar bodies, with no consensus reached on their utility or purpose.
Contextual Notes
Some claims about the function of polar bodies depend on interpretations of evolutionary biology and cellular processes, which may not be universally accepted or fully resolved.
- #2
Jikx
- 206
- 0
Here's useful website - http://distance.stcc.edu/AandP/AP/AP2pages/reprod/oogenesi.htm
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!
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
garytse86
- 311
- 0
thanks a lot that makes sense, but surely such an useless production (the polar bodies) would be eliminated during the course of evolution!?
- #4
FZ+
- 1,599
- 3
There are no certainties in evolution. Wait a few million years and see...
- #5
aychamo
- 375
- 0
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
Monique
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 4,229
- 61
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
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
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- #7
garytse86
- 311
- 0
aychamo said:
Yes I am a male
And thanks a lot Monique, it was difficult to find the uses of the polar bodies
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