In the first part of my journey, I form through the Primordial Oogonium. This then leads to the process of Oocytogenesis, in which my primary self (Oocyte) is formed. Meiosis I then occurs forming my first polar body and my secondary Oocyte self.
My purpose within the Xenopus laevis is to first divide meiotically. After my 2nd meiotic division, I will stop developing and completion of my future self (the ovum) will be paused (in Metaphase II called Dictyate) until I am to be fertilized. This process occurs as follows (highlighted):
Oogonium —> (Oocytogenesis) —> Primary Oocyte —> (Meiosis I) —> First Polar Body (Discarded afterward) + Secondary oocyte —> (Meiosis II) —> Second Polar Body (Discarded afterward) + Ovum.
When I get older, my main goal is to become fertilized and ultimately grow into a fully functioning organism, such as the one I currently reside within.
I am an active site for RNA and protein synthesis. My structure comprises of:
- Cytoplasm.
I am rich in cytoplasm which contains yolk granules to nourish myself, early in development.
- A Nucleus.
During my stage of oogenesis, my nucleus is called a germinal vesicle, which stores my genetic material.
- A Nest.
The space wherein I am located in my immature state is the cell-nest.
- Zona pellucida.
The zona pellucida protects me during my development.
Structure of an Oocyte
References:
1) “A summary of oogenesis in Xenopus laevis.” Dept. of Biology, University of Utah. The University of Utah, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2013. http://biologylabs.utah.edu/gard/html/Oogenesis/Oogenesis_body.htm
2) http://www.dartmouth.edu/~anatomy/Histo/lab_6/female/DMS174/29.gif
3) http://php.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/images/6/65/Ovary_histology_061.jpg
The Culture of Biochemistry 
