3 ms·

Birth defects

• mirimir 9y ago
  In vertebrate females, all oogonia mature to oocytes before birth. In males, spermatogonia mature to spermatocytes continuously after puberty. I gather that oocytes and spermatocytes are more sensitive than spermatogonia to radiation damage. Damaged spermatocytes and sperm get replaced after a few weeks. But there's no replacement for damaged oocytes. So yes, birth defects.
  • teslabox 9y ago
    > But there's no replacement for damaged oocytes. That was the old thinking, but now there's evidence that women can probably generate 'new' eggs: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/oct/07/evidence-suggests-womens-ovaries-can-grow-new-eggs https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/oct/07/evidence-sug... https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120726180259.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120726180259.h...
    • mirimir 9y ago
      Wow, that's amazing. But on the other hand, using a chemotherapy drug to ovulate seems a little iffy.