3 ms·
Apparently there are about 7 million oocytes created per generation[1], which could be done in 23 divisions: 2^23 = 8,388,608 So first, it doesn't require that
by nonbel 9y ago
Apparently there are about 7 million oocytes created per generation[1], which could be done in 23 divisions: 2^23 = 8,388,608
So first, it doesn't require that many divisions per generation of human. Second, there are "errors" that get passed on to the offspring. Third, a lot of selection goes on so that only fertilized eggs without huge issues will eventually be born.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oogenesis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oogenesis
- acjohnson55 9y agoRight, but it would seem like many such strategies could be applied to somatic cells. And we also know that there are complex organisms that don't meaningfully age.
- nonbel 9y agoSee my earlier reference here regarding somatic cells (they don't require so many divisions either): https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14397992 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14397992 What organisms are you talking about that don't meaningfully age?