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Nature Cell Biology 4 (S1), S57�S63 (2002)
Nature Medicine 8 (S1), S57�S63 (2002) |
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| The state of the union: the cell biology of fertilization |
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Janice P. Evans1 & Harvey M. Florman2
1 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Reproductive Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA email: jpevans@jhsph.edu
2 Department of Cell Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA email: harvey.florman@umassmed.edu
Published online: 01 October 2002 | doi:10.1038/ncb-nm-fertilitys57 |
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Abstract
"Look at songs, hidden in eggs." Carl Sandburg in Prairie
Fertilization is the process by which sperm and egg unite. An expanded understanding of the mechanisms that underlie these events has provided insights into an important aspect of early development and also has proven to be a valuable model in which to study cellular function. In addition, many emerging strategies for contraception and for the treatment of infertility are based on the mechanism of gamete interaction. Here, we discuss the cell and molecular biology of mammalian fertilization, highlight selected recent breakthroughs and attempt to identify key unanswered questions.
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