The first mature cells to arise in the developing mammalian embryo belong to the erythroid lineage. This highlights the immediacy of the need for red blood cells during embryogenesis and for survival. Linked with this pressure is the necessity of the embryo to obtain and transport iron, synthesize hemoglobin, and then dispose of the potentially toxic heme via the stress-induced protein heme oxy...

The present study investigated the effect of embryo transfer on post-implantation development using different fertilization approaches in sibling oocyte procedures. C57BL/6, DBA/2, C3H/HeJ and ICR mice were used at 8-10 weeks of age. Mature oocytes were collected, divided into two groups and fertilized using in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Different numb...

In vitro culture methods were used to germinate olive embryos prior to maturation. Fruit, seed and embryo development were established with consecutive sampling from 20 to 100 days after bloom. For that same period, embryo development and germination success were determined by in vitro culture trials using one-third strength MS medium with or without the addition of zeatin. For early developmen...

Creation of an embryonic fate map may provide insight into the patterns of cell division and specification contributing to the apical region of the early Arabidopsis embryo. A fate map has been constructed by inducing genetic chimerism during the two-apical-cell stage of embryogenesis to determine if the orientation of the first anticlinal cell division correlates with later developmental axes....

The aim of this overview is to discuss the current information about the search for the optimum yield of gametes in assisted reproduction, as one of the major pillars of IVF success. The first topic is focused on the number of male gametes and the possible impact of some genetic traits on these parameters. The number of spermatozoa did not seem to be crucial when there is no severe male factor ...

Epidermal cells in the root of Arabidopsis seedling differentiate either as hair or non-hair cells, while in the hypocotyl they become either stomatal or elongated cells. WEREWOLF (WER) and GLABRA2 (GL2) are positive regulators of non-hair and elongated cell development. CAPRICE (CPC) is a positive regulator of hair cell development in the root. We show that WER, GL2 and CPC are expressed and a...

Recent work is reviewed on several molecular aspects of gene expression during oocyte maturation and early development. Several analyses have been carried out on protein synthesis patterns using the high resolution two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique. The protein pattern of some 400-500 spots in sea urchin oocytes before and just after fertilization are quite similar. B...