ISSN:
1040-452X
Keywords:
Activation
;
Oocyte
;
Spermatozoa
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Reasoning from the premises that 1) the sperm:egg ratio at the time of activation of the secondary oocyte in mammals is close to unity under conditions of spontaneous mating, 2) a majority of eggs within the cumulus oophorus of a polytocous species is fertilized in a reasonably short interval of time, and 3) spermatozoa would find it difficult to reverse their approach to the zona pellucida, it is proposed that molecular gradients exist to divert spermatozoa penetrating the cumulus mass away from eggs already activated and towards eggs as yet unfertilised. Possible sources of such molecular cues are considered, as is the event that triggers their release. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mrd.1080350315
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