Can cell division occur in an unfertilized egg?

My wife is doing IVF to get pregnant. Eggs were collected and a few were fertilized. However, the doctor told us that he was surprised that an unfertilized egg also started to grow (divide). Is this possible?

Asker: Alex, age 35

Answer

In principle, this is not possible: an unfertilized egg has only one set of chromosomes (22 + X), which makes cell division without fertilization impossible.

Answered by

Dr Mistiaen Wilhelm

Can cell division occur in an unfertilized egg?

University of Antwerp
Prinsstraat 13 2000 Antwerp
http://www.uantwerpen.be

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