INSIDEEMBRYO · FERTILITY GLOSSARY
Oocyte activation is the coordinated series of intracellular events initiated following successful sperm–oocyte interaction and fusion. A characteristic feature is the generation of repetitive intracellular calcium oscillations, with sperm-derived phospholipase C zeta playing an important role in human and mammalian…
Oocyte activation is the coordinated series of intracellular events initiated following successful sperm–oocyte interaction and fusion. A characteristic feature is the generation of repetitive intracellular calcium oscillations, with sperm-derived phospholipase C zeta playing an important role in human and mammalian activation. These calcium-dependent signals induce resumption and completion of meiosis II, cortical granule exocytosis and extrusion of the second polar body. Activation also initiates metabolic and molecular modifications required for maternal and paternal pronuclear development and subsequent embryonic cell division. Failure of normal oocyte activation can result in fertilisation failure despite successful sperm entry into the ooplasm.
For education, not individual medical advice. Ask your fertility team about your care.