It has been suggested that mitochondrial DNA defects that effect metabolic capacity may be
a proximal cause of failures in oocyte maturation, fertilization, or early embryonic …

To clarify the relationship between mitochondria and embryo development, we collected
human unfertilized oocytes, early embryos, and arrested embryos. Unfertilized oocytes and …

Active mitochondria relocate during oocyte maturation or fertilization in several species.
Detailed studies with hamster oocytes and early embryos reveal a pattern of active …

In addition to their role in generating energy (ATP), other possible regulatory functions for
mitochondria in the mature oocyte, preimplantation stage embryo and differentiating …

In mammals, mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are transmitted through the
female germ line. Mature oocytes contain at least 100,000 copies of mtDNA, organized at 1 …

Mitochondria play a vital role in the metabolism of energy-containing compounds in the
oocyte cytoplasm to provide adenosine trisphosphate for fertilization and preimplantation …

It is likely that there is an association between the fitness of mitochondria and their ability to
support normal cellular function. Oocytes are greatly enriched in the number of mitochondria …

Mitochondrial DNA content varies considerably in oocytes, even when collected from the
same patient. In the present study, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis …

Mitochondria have long been known to be the powerhouses of the cell but they also
contribute to redox and Ca 2+ homeostasis, provide intermediary metabolites and store …

This review examines current understanding of mammalian mitochondria and mitochondrial
DNA in the light of new reproductive technologies. Mitochondria are central to ageing …