Answer to Question #204443 in Genetics for moe

Question

If half the chromosomes of a human primary oocyte segregate into the first polar body, which degenerates, why aren’t some of the different kinds of chromosomes of the diploid chromosome complement absent from the egg? 

Answer 1

The cell with more cytoplasm becomes a mature ovum while the polar body usually dissolves. The primary polar body also undergoes meiosis 2 and makes two secondary polar bodies. Usually apoptosis will occur, which is a process in which all polar bodies die.