Vittelogenesis is the process of yolk formation in eggs. Yolk provides nutrients that are deposited in the oocyte or female germ cell during reproduction. There are three main types of yolk - granular yolk found in invertebrates and lower chordates, yolk platelets found in most vertebrates consisting of large protein granules, and yolk spheres which form a compact mass in bird, reptile, and fish eggs. The yolk stores food for development of the embryo, influences cell differentiation and cleavage patterns, determines egg size, and governs morphogenetic movements and developmental maturity depending on yolk amount.