Question

Which stage of meiosis do oocytes get arrested in and then start up during puberty?

a) Prophase I
b) Metaphase I
c) Anaphase I
d) Metaphase II

Answer 1

Oocytes are arrested in Prophase I initially and then again at the Metaphase II stage until fertilization occurs.

Step-by-step explanation:

During female gametogenesis, which is the part of meiosis specific to oocytes, there are two arrest points. The first arrest happens in Prophase I of meiosis, where primary oocytes remain arrested until puberty. Upon the onset of puberty, hormonal signals stimulate these oocytes to complete meiosis I. The second arrest happens at the Metaphase II stage in a secondary oocyte, which will not complete meiosis II unless fertilization occurs.