The ovum is a female reproductive cell, or gamete, found in the ovaries. It is the largest naturally occurring single cell in the human body and is typically visible to the naked eye. The ovum is the source of the female half of the genetic material for the creation of a new individual. It is one of the two gametes involved in fertilization, the other being the sperm.
Characteristics of the ovum include:
• It is the largest cell in the female body
• It contains genetic information passed on to offspring
• It is surrounded by a protective membrane, the zona pellucida
• It is nourished by the surrounding cells in the ovary
• It is released from the ovary during ovulation
• It is capable of being fertilized by sperm
Ovum,reproductive cell,female