Parthenogenesis

Development of a germ cell without fertilization. This is what happens in the formation of ovarian teratomas (dermoid cysts). All of the chromosomes in these benign tumors of the ovary come from the mother. The counterpart of the ovarian teratoma is the hydatidiform mole, a tumor that forms within the uterus. All the chromosomes in hydatidiform moles come from the male partner. While both ovarian teratomas and hydatidiform moles are the products of parthenogenesis, ovarian teratomas are of gynecogenic (female) origin while hydatidiform moles are of androgenic (male) origin. The term 'parthenogenesis' comes from the Greek 'parthenos' (virgin) + 'genesis' (generation). The Greek goddess Artemis (called Parthenos, the virgin) was associated with nymphs who became pregnant and were transformed into beasts.