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Related Concept Videos

Oogenesis02:07

Oogenesis

In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
Oogenesis01:22

Oogenesis

Oogenesis,  the process of developing egg cells (female gametes), occurs within the ovaries and is fundamental to female fertility. This sequence begins during fetal development when diploid oogonia in the developing ovaries undergo mitotic divisions to produce primary oocytes. By birth, these primary oocytes enter prophase I of meiosis but become arrested in this stage, remaining suspended until puberty.
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
Fertilization01:38

Fertilization

During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

A Neural Network-Based Identification of Developmentally Competent or Incompetent Mouse Fully-Grown Oocytes
10:04

A Neural Network-Based Identification of Developmentally Competent or Incompetent Mouse Fully-Grown Oocytes

Published on: March 3, 2018

What does it take to make a developmentally competent mammalian egg?

Maurizio Zuccotti1, Valeria Merico, Sandra Cecconi

  • 1Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Universita' degli Studi di Parma, Via Volturno 39, Parma, Italy. maurizio.zuccotti@unipr.it

Human Reproduction Update
|March 30, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Understanding the molecular factors influencing egg development is crucial for distinguishing competent from incompetent eggs. This review details key aspects of oocyte growth, gene regulation, and maternal RNA storage during oogenesis.

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Manipulation and In Vitro Maturation of Xenopus laevis Oocytes, Followed by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, to Study Embryonic Development
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Manipulation and In Vitro Maturation of Xenopus laevis Oocytes, Followed by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, to Study Embryonic Development

Published on: February 9, 2015

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Last Updated: Jun 3, 2026

A Neural Network-Based Identification of Developmentally Competent or Incompetent Mouse Fully-Grown Oocytes
10:04

A Neural Network-Based Identification of Developmentally Competent or Incompetent Mouse Fully-Grown Oocytes

Published on: March 3, 2018

Manipulation and In Vitro Maturation of Xenopus laevis Oocytes, Followed by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, to Study Embryonic Development
09:22

Manipulation and In Vitro Maturation of Xenopus laevis Oocytes, Followed by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, to Study Embryonic Development

Published on: February 9, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Genetics

Background:

  • Distinguishing developmentally competent from incompetent eggs is limited by incomplete knowledge of critical features and their acquisition timing during oogenesis.
  • Understanding the molecular underpinnings of egg development is essential for improving reproductive outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize current research on the molecular aspects of creating developmentally competent eggs.
  • To consolidate findings on factors influencing oocyte growth and maturation.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search using PubMed without temporal limits.
  • Analysis focused on publications from 1982-2011, with a majority from 2000-2011 (77%).

Main Results:

  • Key factors regulating oocyte growth throughout folliculogenesis were identified.
  • The dialogue between oocyte and cumulus cells plays a significant role.
  • Epigenetic organization of the oocyte genome and maternal RNA regulation were described.

Conclusions:

  • Oocyte growth factors form the basis of developmental competence, influenced by an epigenetic signature established during oogenesis.
  • Small silencing RNAs are critical for mRNA degradation during oogenesis and early development.
  • Further research is needed to dissect molecular interactions and establish functional links among identified factors.