Page 12 - PRECONGRESS COURSE 03

Maturing in the Style of Eggs and Follicles
● Follicles activate from primordials
● Grow to increase somatic cell number (hyperplasia) and support germ cell hypertrophy
● Acquire gonadotropin sensitivity along with steroidogenic capacity
● Acquire ovulation competency for both the mural and cumulus compartments
● Oocytes undergo hypertrophy along with initial stages of follicle growth
● Erase imprints and prepare to reimprint the zygote
● Acquire in sequence the ability to resume and complete meiosis, fertilization potential, and support embryo
● The COMPETENCIES that link oocyte to embryo quality are acquired in the follicle
Oocyte competencies required for embryogenesis
G=Growth (weeks to months) PM=Pre‐maturation (days to weeks) M=Maturation (hours to days)
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