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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 9/30/2003 Publication Date: 3/1/2004 Citation: Nagoshi, R. 2004. Oogenesis. In: Capinera, J.L., editor. Encyclopedia of Entomology, Vol. 2. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers. P. 1594-1598. (Log #135705) Interpretive Summary: Not applicable. Technical Abstract: One reason for the evolutionary success of insects is their remarkable capacity to generate large numbers of progeny. Since most insects reproduce sexually, this requires the efficient formation of specialized gametes, a process in females called oogenesis. Females produce eggs that have to accomplish a number of functions. The egg must contain sufficient nutrients to sustain embryonic development, allow gas exchange for respiration, and protect the embryo from a variety of environmental stresses, including large shifts in temperature and water loss by dessication. In addition, early stages of insect embryogenesis are very much dependent on regulatory factors stored in the egg during oogenesis, often requiring that these factors be specifically localized. Hence the relatively simple appearance of the egg masks a surprisingly complex structure that serves a number of different functions all essential for the development of the next generation. Here is presented a general description of ovary morphology and oogenesis in insects. |
