The Egg (Cell)

CRC Press eBooks 2026 Book chapter

View at publisher
Authors: Gary M. Wessel, Julian L. Wong, Carmen J. Williams, Mark A. Johnson, Harvey M. Florman
DOI: 10.1201/9781003148401-5
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Round, oblong, big, small, dark, light, tough, fragile, and everything in between – the female gamete is incredibly diverse in appearance and molecular content. Yet within this diversity are common features found in most, if not all, animal eggs and plant egg cells. Eggs and egg cells are a substantial investment compared with sperm, mostly due to their larger size, so females generally produce fewer over a lifetime than their male counterparts.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Reproductive Biology and Fertility Reproductive biology and impacts on aquatic species Developmental Biology and Gene Regulation

Publication details

Journal / source
CRC Press eBooks
Pages
57–78
Publication date
11 February 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Book chapter