An individual has the maximum number of oocytes
A. By puberty
B. At birth
C. By middle age
D. At 20 weeks of gestation
Correct Answer: D. At 20 weeks of gestation
Explanation
An individual has the maximum number of oocytes during fetal life, around 20 weeks of gestation.
Detailed Explanation
- Female ovaries begin forming oocytes during fetal development.
- The number of oocytes peaks at about 6–7 million when the fetus is around 20 weeks (5 months) of gestation.
- After that, the number gradually declines due to a natural process called atresia (degeneration).
Oocyte Count Across Stages
Final Answer
👉 Maximum number of oocytes is present at 20 weeks of gestation (fetal life).
If you want, I can also provide MCQ explanation for related questions.
Other Options Details
Here is the description of all the options:
A. By puberty
This means that the process or development being referred to is completed when a person reaches puberty, which typically occurs around 10–14 years of age in females. Puberty is when reproductive organs mature and secondary sexual characteristics appear.
B. At birth
This means that the process is already completed before or at the time of birth. A newborn already has the full amount or structure that will not increase later. For example, females are born with their full number of immature eggs (oocytes).
C. By middle age
This means that the process finishes or reaches its peak during middle adulthood, usually around 40–60 years of age. Some biological functions decline or become inactive by this time.
D. At 20 weeks of gestation
Gestation means pregnancy, and 20 weeks refers to 20 weeks inside the mother’s womb—about 5 months of pregnancy. This option indicates that the process completes very early in fetal development before birth.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group