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Oogenesis

Oogenesis

In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...

Nondisjunction

Nondisjunction

Nondisjunction is the failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate correctly and move to the opposite poles of the cells. This produces daughter cells with abnormal chromosome numbers. Nondisjunction is common during anaphase I or anaphase II of meiosis. Mutations in synaptonemal complex proteins that attach homologous chromosomes increase the chances of nondisjunction in anaphase I of meiosis I. In contrast, mutations in topoisomerases and condensins that hold sister...

Teratogenicity

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...

Meiosis vs. Mitosis

Meiosis vs. Mitosis

Cell division is necessary for growth and reproduction in organisms. Mitosis aids cell growth and development by dividing somatic cells. In contrast, meiosis causes the division of germ cells and plays an essential role in sexual reproduction. Due to their unique functional requirements, mitosis and meiosis differ from each other in multiple aspects.
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus

Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...

Development of Blood Vessels

Development of Blood Vessels

The development of the vascular system in a fetus is a complex and intricate process that begins as early as 15 to 16 days post-conception. This process starts outside the embryo, specifically in the mesoderm of the yolk sac, chorion, and connecting stalk. Approximately two days later, the formation of blood vessels occurs within the embryo itself.
The initial formation of this system is facilitated by the small amount of yolk present in the ovum and yolk sac. Blood vessels originate from...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Using Ex Vivo Upright Droplet Cultures of Whole Fetal Organs to Study Developmental Processes during Mouse Organogenesis

Using Ex Vivo Upright Droplet Cultures of Whole Fetal Organs to Study Developmental Processes during Mouse Organogenesis

Published on: October 21, 2015

Does ageing originate in utero?

Alexios-Fotios A Mentis¹, Evangelia Kararizou

¹Athens University, Goudi, Greece.

|July 8, 2010

Summary

The origins of ageing and cancer may begin before birth. Factors like nutrition and growth signalling in early life could influence long-term health and disease risk, impacting public health.

Area of Science:

Gerontology and developmental biology
Cancer research
Public health and epidemiology

Background:

Ageing is a complex process influenced by cellular, molecular, and environmental factors.
Cancer aetiology, particularly its intrauterine origins, has been previously hypothesized.
Understanding early life influences is crucial for comprehending later-life health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the hypothesis that key ageing parameters originate in utero.
To investigate the role of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signalling, hormones, stem cells, and early nutrition in foetal development and subsequent ageing.
To analyze the public health implications of impaired foetal development on disease burden.

Main Methods:

Review and synthesis of epidemiological data.

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Orthotopic Ovarian Transplantation Procedures to Investigate the Life- and Health-span Influence of Ovarian Senescence in Female Mice

Orthotopic Ovarian Transplantation Procedures to Investigate the Life- and Health-span Influence of Ovarian Senescence in Female Mice

Published on: February 12, 2018

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Last Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Using Ex Vivo Upright Droplet Cultures of Whole Fetal Organs to Study Developmental Processes during Mouse Organogenesis

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Published on: October 21, 2015

Assessment of Maternal Vascular Remodeling During Pregnancy in the Mouse Uterus

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Published on: December 5, 2015

Orthotopic Ovarian Transplantation Procedures to Investigate the Life- and Health-span Influence of Ovarian Senescence in Female Mice

Orthotopic Ovarian Transplantation Procedures to Investigate the Life- and Health-span Influence of Ovarian Senescence in Female Mice

Published on: February 12, 2018

Analysis of biological mechanisms related to foetal development and ageing.

Evaluation of public health reports and disease burden data.

Main Results:

Evidence suggests that factors influencing ageing, such as IGF signalling, hormonal balance, stem cell populations, and nutrition, may be programmed during foetal development.
Impaired foetal development is linked to an increased burden of diseases later in life, including ageing-related conditions.
The intrauterine environment plays a significant role in shaping long-term health trajectories.

Conclusions:

The origins of ageing and potentially cancer may commence in utero.
Early life nutrition and developmental factors are critical determinants of lifelong health.
Addressing impaired foetal development is a key public health strategy to mitigate the burden of ageing and disease.