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Human Egg Cell (Ovum)

Human Egg: An egg, or ovum, is the female reproductive cell. An individual ovum is visible to the naked eye and one of the largest single cells in the body. Ova are released during ovulation, occurring around the mid-point of a woman's menstrual cycle. The ovum itself has a central nucleus that contains the female's genetic material; this, with the genetic material in the sperm cell, determines the inherited characteristics of the child. Surrounding the nucleus is a cell plasma or yolk containing nutritional elements essential to the developing egg cell. The main function of the ovum is to carry the set of chromosomes contributed by the female gamete. It creates the right environment to occur fertilization with the help of sperm. And it also provides nutrients to the growing embryo until it sinks into the uterus and further, the placenta takes over.