Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an egg or ovum?

The statement that is identified as NOT a characteristic of an egg or ovum is correct because, while the ovum itself does not "carry food" in the way one might think of a traditional food source, it does contain nutrients necessary for early embryonic development. The ovum stores energy and building blocks in the form of yolk, which provides the necessary sustenance to the developing embryo in many species, especially in animals that lay eggs. However, it does not actively transport food in the way that a mature organism might consume and metabolize food.

The other characteristics listed are essential and accurate descriptors of an egg or ovum. It does produce hormones, as the ovarian follicles surrounding the oocyte contribute to hormone production which is crucial for regulating the reproductive cycle. Additionally, the ovum has a protective outer layer, which is essential for safeguarding the genetic material and providing an environment for fertilization. Finally, the egg contains genetic material, which is vital for the development of a new organism upon fertilization. Each of these characteristics plays an important role in the biology of reproduction.