Explain how cell division occurs in the germ (meiosis) cells of animals. Be sure to state and describe each stage and phase of the cell cycle. Solution Germ cell division occurs by Meiosis. The division is explained with oogenesis as example. Diploid primordial germ cells that form the germinal epithelium of fetal ovary divide repeatedly by mitosis to produce diploid oogonia. Diploid oogonia produced in groups just under the surface of the ovary. In contrast to spermatogenesis, only one oogonium from each group normally grows into a diploid primary oocyte. Each primary oocyte then enters prophase of Meiosis I and remains in this arrested state until puberty. As puberty begins, a primary oocyte completes Meiosis I each month to produce a secondary oocyte and a polar body. The secondary oocyte undergoes Meiosis II at fertilization to produce an ovum and a second polar body..