Definition
noun
A resting phase in mammalian oogenesis wherein the developing oocyte is arrested in prophase I of meiosis and would resume going through the rest of the stages of meiosis at puberty
Supplement
The dictyate refers to the resting phase in the oogenesis in certain mammals. Oogenesis is the formation and the development of an ovum. In mammals, it is comprised of a series of biological processes namely oocytogenesis, ootidogenesis, and ovum maturation. Oocytogenesis is the first stage wherein the oogonium divides mitotically to give rise to more oogonia. Each of these oogonia would develop and transform into primary oocyte that would enter meiotic division (particularly referred to as ootidogenesis). This process occurs during fetal stage. The development of primary oocytes, however, will be arrested at prophase I of the first meiotic division. In humans, the primary oocytes will rest at diplotene stage of prophase I. Diplotene is the late stage of prophase I and highlighted by homologous chromosome pairs that begin to separate and move away from one another except at chiasmata. The rest of the stages of meiosis will resume until puberty, particularly shortly before ovulation by the surge of luteinizing hormone.
Word origin: Ancient Greek díktuon (“net”) + –ate
Also called:
- dictyotene stage
See also:
