Bioscientifica Proceedings

The ability to mature, be fertilized and finally to develop into a viable embryo is acquired gradually by the oocyte during progressive differentiation throughout folliculogenesis. This process starts with oocyte growth during the first steps of follicular development. As the oocyte is close to its final size, other modifications occur, less spectacular but at least as important in determining the resulting ability of the oocyte to accomplish its reproductive purpose (developm...