At puberty eggs begin to mature and one is released approximately every 28…

The idea

Puberty is the stage when reproductive hormones rise and the reproductive system becomes functional. In females, eggs already present in the ovaries begin to mature, and usually one egg is released about every 28 days. This cycle is controlled by hormones including follicle stimulating hormone, oestrogen, luteinising hormone and progesterone. The egg matures inside a follicle in the ovary; rising oestrogen from the follicle helps trigger a luteinising hormone surge, which causes the follicle to rupture and release the egg. The approximate 28-day timing is an average, and cycles can vary between individuals and from month to month. The released egg survives for roughly a day, so timing matters for fertilisation. This statement links puberty, egg maturation and the regular release that underpins the menstrual cycle.

What earns the marks

• States that puberty is the life stage when reproductive hormones become active and the reproductive system matures.
• Explains that eggs begin to mature in the ovaries at puberty.
• States that one egg is usually released approximately every 28 days.
• Names the follicle as the ovarian structure in which an egg matures.
• Links egg maturation and release to hormonal control, such as follicle stimulating hormone stimulating follicle growth and luteinising hormone triggering release.
• Recognises that 28 days is an average figure and that cycle length varies between individuals.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Saying that new eggs are made each month after puberty.

  Put it right by stating that a female is born with a store of immature eggs and one matures and is released in a typical cycle.

• Stating that the egg is released from the uterus.

  Put it right by naming the ovary as the site of egg maturation and release.

• Treating 28 days as an exact fixed interval for every person.

  Put it right by describing it as an approximate average with natural variation.

Exam tips

• Use the word approximately when quoting 28 days, because the specification presents it as a typical interval rather than an exact value.
• Name the ovary and the follicle when describing where maturation occurs, as vague answers about the reproductive system lose precision.
• Connect the timing to hormonal control by mentioning follicle stimulating hormone or luteinising hormone where the question asks for an explanation.