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ovum (o´vәm) pl. o´va  the female reproductive or germ cell, which after fertilization is capable of developing into a new member of the same species; The term ovum is sometimes applied to any stage of the fertilized germ cell during cleavage and even until hatching or birth of the new individual. The human ovum consists of protoplasm that contains some yolk, enclosed by a cell wall consisting of two layers, an outer one (zona pellucida) and an inner, thin one (vitelline membrane). There is a large nucleus (germinal vesicle) within which is a nucleolus (germinal spot). Called also egg. adj., o´vular., adj.




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