A woman's egg, also known as an ovum, is primarily made of a nucleus containing her genetic material and a surrounding cell plasma (yolk) rich in nutritional elements.
Components of an Ovum
Here's a breakdown of the key components:
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Nucleus: This is the core of the ovum and houses the female's genetic material (DNA). This genetic material will combine with the male's genetic material from the sperm during fertilization, determining the inherited characteristics of the offspring.
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Cell Plasma (Yolk): This surrounds the nucleus and contains vital nutritional elements. The yolk provides the developing egg cell with the necessary nutrients to sustain itself until it can implant in the uterus and receive nourishment from the mother.
In essence, the egg cell is a vessel that contains the female's genetic blueprint and a food supply, all packaged to facilitate the beginning of a new life.