Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): During oogenesis, the primary oocyte undergoes an unequal first meiotic division. Reason (R): The unequal division ensures that the first polar body retains the bulk of the nutrient-rich cytoplasm to support early embryonic development. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropri

Step-by-step solution

Assertion (A) is correct. In oogenesis, the primary oocyte within the tertiary follicle grows in size and completes its first meiotic division. It is an unequal division resulting in the formation of a large haploid secondary oocyte and a tiny first polar body. Reason (R) is incorrect. The biological significance of this unequal division is to allow the secondary oocyte (not the first polar body) to retain the bulk of the nutrient-rich cytoplasm of the primary oocyte. This retained cytoplasm is essential to nourish