Mechanism of fertilization: a modern view

Despite numerous studies on mammalian fertilization, the mechanisms of fertilization-including the timing of acrosome reaction-remain largely unknown; more accurately described, the classical theory built upon years of layered experimental data is being challenged by recent conflicting evidence provided by gene-manipulated animals. Although in vitro fertilization remains our central research tool, the classical theory's decline reminds us of the importance of in vivo observations. Here, I describe the essential roles of gene-manipulated animals in elucidating the mechanism of fertilization and the pitfalls of in vitro fertilization studies trapping many researchers.