Scheme of the Cellular Mechanism (IMAGE) Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia Caption The embryo must have the correct number of centrioles in order to develop. In the formation of the female gamete, centriole coating by the matrix is lost, resulting in the elimination of centrioles. During fertilization, the embryo inherits only the centrioles from the sperm, thus having the correct number. If the maternal gamete does not lose its centrioles, the female is infertile. The loss of centrioles in oogenesis occurs in all animals, including humans and fruit flies. Credit Carla A.M. Lopes (IGC) Usage Restrictions Attribution of this image to its author is required. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.