In human females, oocytes initiate meiosis during embryonic life and remain arrested at which stage until ovulation occurs at sexual maturity?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Diplotene of Prophase I
- Step 1: Female primary oocytes are formed in fetal ovaries and enter Meiosis I before birth.
- Step 2: During meiotic prophase, upon completing pachytene crossing over, the oocytes enter an extended diplotene arrest known as dictyotene.
- Step 3: They remain arrested in this diplotene state for decades (12 to 50 years) until individual follicles are stimulated by luteinizing hormone (LH) during menstrual cycles.
Answer
Diplotene of Prophase I (dictyotene stage).
Why not the others: Metaphase II is the second meiotic arrest that occurs after ovulation, which is released only upon sperm fertilization; Leptotene is the initial condensation stage; Anaphase I occurs during follicular maturation just prior to ovulation.
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