Reproduction is the origination of new organisms from pre-existing ones. Among more than 35 separated forms of reproduction including several types of gamogony, parthenogenesis, agamogenesis, fission and division, and plas motomy, the bisexual mode of reproduction via fertilization provides genetic variability that allows species to adapt quickly to competitive and constantly changing environments. Several excellent reviews and books have been written in the past to analyse the mechanisms of fertilization in different eukaryotic species. During the last few years, however, renewed attention has been paid to examining the process of oocyte fertilization at the cellular/molecular level not only within a single species/group but also through different phylogenetic lineages. As a result of this effort, knowledge of the molecular pathways used by oocytes and spermatozoa at fertilization has increased, but still many ques tions remain to be answered. Being aware of the necessity of providing an inte grated view of the process of fertilization, this book has been entirely devoted to reviewing the process of oocyte fertilization at the cellular/molecular level in two different and separated groups of eukaryotic organisms: protozoa and metazoan animals. The book is organized into six sections dealing with oocyte fertilization in protozoa, invertebrates, teleost fishes, amphibians, birds and mammals. These sections are followed by a summary/concluding chapter that provides a com parative overview of the process of fertilization in these groups of eukaryotes.

1 Fertilization in Protozoa

1 Reproduction Strategies in Protozoa
1.1 Gametogamy
1.2 Autogamy
1.3 Gamontogamy
2 Fertilization in a Flagellate
2.1 Reproduction inChlamydomonas reinhardtii
2.2 Induction of Gametogenesis
2.3 Mating and Cell Fusion
2.3.1 Flagellar Agglutination
2.3.2 Losing Cell Wall and Protoplast Formation
2.3.3 Activation of Mating Structures
2.3.4 Formation of a Cytoplasmic Bridge
2.3.5 Protoplasmic Fusion
2.3.6 Nuclear Fusion, Flagellar Retraction and Zygotic Wall Formation
2.3.7 Chloroplast
2.4 Meiosis and Germination
3 Sexual Phase and Fertilization inPlasmodium
3.1 Reproduction inPlasmodium falciparum
3.2 Gametogenesis and Fertilization in the Mosquito
3.3 Asexual Development in the Mosquito and in the Human Body
3.4 The Sexual Phase
4 Gamogony and Agamogony in Foraminiferans
4.1 Life Cycle of Foraminiferans
4.2 Heterokaryotic SpeciesRotaliella heterocaryotica
4.3 Homokaryotic SpeciesPatellina corrugata
5 Conjugation in Ciliates
5.1 Life Cycle ofParamecium caudatum
5.2 Sexual Interaction at the Beginning of Conjugation
5.3 Nuclear Events During Conjugation
5.3.1 Nuclear Behavior at Early Stages of Conjugation and Meiosis
5.3.2 Random Selection of Meiotic Products
5.3.3 Gametogenesis and Fertilization
5.3.4 Macro-and Micronuclear Differentiation
5.3.5 Development of a New Macronucleus
5.3.6 Determination of the Germinal Micronucleus
References
2 Fertilization in Invertebrates
1 Introduction
2 Porifera
2.1 Reproductive Strategies and Reproductive Cycle
2.1.1 Design of Reproductive System
2.1.2 Gametogenesis and Fertilization
2.2 Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Fertilization
2.2.1 Sperm
2.2.2 Oocytes
2.2.3 Fertilization
3 Cnidaria (Coelenterata)
3.1 Reproductive Strategies and Reproductive Cycle
3.1.1 Design of Reproductive System
3.1.2 Gametogenesis and Fertilization
3.2 Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Fertilization
4 Ctenophora
4.1 Reproductive Strategies and Reproductive Cycle
4.1.1 Design of Reproductive System
4.1.2 Gametogenesis and Fertilization
4.2 Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Fertilization
5 Platyhelminthes
5.1 Reproductive Strategies and Reproductive Cycle
5.1.1 Design of Reproductive System
5.1.2 Gametogenesis and Fertilization
5.2 Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Fertilization
6 Rhynchocoela (Nemertea, Nemertinea)
6.1 Reproductive Strategies and Reproductive Cycle
6.1.1 Design of Reproductive System
6.1.2 Gametogenesis and Fertilization
6.2 Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Fertilization
7 Nematoda
7.1 Reproductive Strategies and Reproductive Cycle
7.1.1 Design of Reproductive System
7.1.2 Gametogenesis and Fertilization
7.2 Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Fertilization
7.2.1 Sperm
7.2.2 Oocytes
7.2.3 Fertilization
8 Mollusca
8.1 Reproductive Strategies and Reproductive Cycle
8.1.1 Design of Reproductive System
8.1.2 Gametogenesis and Fertilization
8.2 Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Fertilization
8.2.1 Sperm
8.2.2 Oocytes
8.2.3 Fertilization
9 Annelida
9.1 Reproductive Strategies and Reproductive Cycle
9.1.1 Design of Reproductive System
9.1.2 Gametogenesis and Fertilization
9.2 Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Fertilization
10 Arthropoda
10.1 Reproductive Strategies and Reproductive Cycle
10.1.1 Design of Reproductive System
10.1.2 Gametogenesis and Fertilization
10.2 Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Fertilization
10.2.1 Sperm
10.2.2 Oocytes
10.2.3 Fertilization
11 Echinodermata
11.1 Reproductive Strategies and Reproductive Cycle
11.1.1 Design of Reproductive System
11.1.2 Gametogenesis and Fertilization
11.2 Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Fertilization
11.2.1 The Unfertilized Egg
11.2.2 Sperm
11.2.3 Sperm Activation
11.2.4 Fertilization
11.3 MPF and MAP Kinases During Meiotic Maturation and Fertilization
12 Protochordata
12.1 Reproductive Strategies and Reproductive Cycle
12.1.1 Design of Reproductive System
12.1.2 Gametogenesis and Fertilization
12.2 Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Fertilization
12.2.1 Sperm
12.2.2 Oocytes
12.2.3 Spawning of Gametes and Fertilization
12.2.4 Calcium Oscillations
12.2.5 Block to Polyspermy
12.3 MPF and MAP Kinases During Meiotic Maturation and Fertilization
References
3 Fertilization in Fishes
1 Introduction
2 Structural Preparation of Oocyte and Spermatozoon for Fertilization
2.1 Egg
2.1.1 Chorion
2.1.2 Micropyle
2.1.3 Cortical Layer
2.1.4 Sperm Entry Site
2.1.5 Nucleus
2.2 Spermatozoon
3 Oocyte Maturation for Acquisition of Fertilizability
4 Interaction and Membrane Fusion Between Gametes
4.1 Behavior and Fertilizability of Spermatozoa
4.2 Sperm-Egg Interaction
4.3 Sperm-Egg Membrane Fusion
5 Responses of Egg to Membrane Fusion with Spermatozoon
5.1 Change in Membrane Potential
5.2 Fertilization Wave and Wave of Increase in Cytoplasmic Ca2+
5.3 Exocytosis of Cortical Alveoli
5.4 Mechanism of Propagative Increase in Cytoplasmic Ca2+and pH
5.5 Relationship Between Wave of Increase in Cytoplasmic Ca2+and Exocytosis Wave
5.6 Perivitelline Space Formation and Change in Chorion
5.7 Fertilization Cone and Sperm Incorporation
6 Polyspermy-Preventing Mechanism
7 Formation of Male and Female Pronuclei
7.1 Progression of Second Meiotic Metaphase to Interphase
7.2 Breakdown of Nuclear Envelope and Chromatin Decondensation
7.3 Pronucleus Formation and MPF Activity
7.4 DNA Synthesis and Pronucleus Formation
8 Migration and Karyogamy of Female and Male Pronuclei
9 Fertilization Without an Increase in Cytoplasmic Ca2+and Exocytosis of Cortical Alveoli
References
4 Fertilization in Amphibians
1 Introduction
2 Interactions of Sperm with Oocyte Investments and Oocyte Membrane
2.1 Interactions of Sperm with Jelly Layers
2.2 Sperm-Binding to the Vitelline Envelope
2.3 Acrosome Reaction
2.4 Interactions Between Sperm-and Oocyte-Membranes
3 Mechanism of Oocyte Activation
3.1 [Ca2+]iIncrease
3.2 Fertilization Potentials
3.3 Cortical Reactions and Fertilization Envelope Formation
3.4 Resumption of Meiosis and Sperm Nuclear Decondensation
4 Mechanisms for Polyspermy Block
4.1 Role of Polyspermy Block
4.2 Reduction in Number of Sperm in Oocyte Investments
4.3 Fast, Electrical Block to Polyspermy
4.4 Slow Polyspermy Block by the Fertilization Envelope
4.5 Acquisition of Polyspermy Block During Oocyte Maturation in Anurans
4.6 Cytoplasmic Block to Polyspermy in Physiologically Polyspermic Oocytes
5 Variations in Amphibian Fertilization
5.1 Polyspermy in Anurans
5.2 Monospermy in Primitive Urodeles
5.3 Sperm Nuclear Behavior in Gynogenetic Urodele Oocytes
References
5 Fertilization in Birds
1 Introduction to Avian Breeding Systems
2 Gametes, Gameteogenesis and Reproductive Systems
2.1 Primordial Germ Cells and Establishment of Gonads
2.2 Male Reproduction System and Sperm Production
2.2.1 Male Tract Anatomy
2.2.2 Maturation of Sperm Function
2.3 Female Reproductive System
2.3.1 The Ovary and Ovulation
2.3.2 The Oviduct and Egg Formation
2.4 Spermatozoa
2.4.1 Sperm Morphology
2.4.2 Sperm Motility
2.4.3 The Acrosome and Acrosomal Enzymes
2.5 The Ovum
2.5.1 Morphology of the Ovum at Ovulation
2.5.2 The Inner Perivitelline Layer
3 Oviducal Sperm Transport and Storage
4 Sperm:Egg Interaction
4.1 Fertilization in Vivo and in Vitro
4.1.1 Site of Fertilization in Vivo
4.1.2 Capacitation
4.2 Sperm: Perivitelline Layer Interaction
4.2.1 Sperm: Inner Perivitelline Layer Interaction
4.2.2 The Avian Acrosome Reaction
4.2.3 Inner Perivitelline Layer Molecules Mediating Interaction with Spermatozoa
4.2.4 Preferential Attraction of Spermatozoa to the Germinal Disc
4.2.5 The Outer Perivitelline Layer and Cessation of Sperm: Inner Perivitelline Layer Interaction
4.3 Sperm: Ovum Interaction and Syngamy
4.3.1 Sperm Engulfment by Oolemma
4.3.2 Pronuclear Formation and Syngamy
4.3.3 Supernumerary Spermatozoa and Embryonic Development
5 Quantitative Aspects of Sperm: Egg Interaction, Fertility and the Fertile Period
References
6 Fertilization in Monotreme, Marsupial and Eutherian Mammals
1 Introduction
1.1 The Three Groups of Mammals
1.2 Monotremes
1.3 Marsupials
1.3.1 Marsupial Diversity
1.4 Eutherians
1.5 Mammalian Relationships and Evolution
1.6 Fertilization in Mammals
2 Sperm Production
2.1 Marsupials and Eutherians
2.2 Monotremes
3 Epididymal Maturation of Spermatozoa
3.1 Eutherians
3.1.1 Morphological Maturation
3.1.2 Development of Progressive Motility
3.1.3 Maturation of Sperm Surface
3.2 Marsupials
3.2.1 Morphological Changes
3.2.2 Molecular Changes
3.3 Monotremes
3.4 Common Themes and General Overview
4 Sperm Deposition, Storage and Transport in the Female Tract
4.1 Marsupials and Eutherians
4.2 Monotremes
5 Capacitation
5.1 Eutherians
5.1.1 Molecular Basis
5.2 Marsupials
5.2.1 Morphological Correlates
5.2.2 Differences Between Marsupials
5.3 Monotremes
5.4 Common Themes and General Overview
6 Hyperactivation of Spermatozoa
6.1 Eutherians
6.2 Marsupials and Monotremes
6.3 Common Themes and General Overview
7 The Acrosome
7.1 Mammalian Acrosome Morphology and Enzymes
7.2 Acrosome Reaction in Eutherians
7.2.1 Morphology and Functional Significance in Vivo
7.2.2 Mechanism of the Acrosome Reaction in Vivo
7.2.3 Mechanism of the Acrosome Reaction in Vitro
7.3 Acrosome Reaction in Marsupials and Monotremes
7.4 Common Themes and General Overview
8 Sperm Interaction with the Zona Pellucida
8.1 Eutherians
8.1.1 Structure and Function of the ZP
8.1.2 Primary Sperm-ZP Binding
8.1.3 Penetration of the ZP and Secondary Sperm-ZP Binding
8.2 Monotremes
8.3 Marsupials
8.3.1 Structure and Function of the ZP
8.3.2 Sperm Interaction with the ZP
8.4 Common Themes and General Overview
9 Sperm-Oocyte Fusion
9.1 Eutherians
9.2 Monotremes
9.3 Marsupials
9.4 Common Themes and General Overview
10 Oocyte Activation
10.1 Eutherians
10.2 Monotremes
10.3 Marsupials
10.4 Common Themes and General Overview
11 Cortical Reaction and Block to Polyspermy
11.1 Eutherians
11.1.1 Cortical Granules
11.1.2 Cortical Reaction
11.2 Monotremes
11.3 Marsupials
11.3.1 Cortical Granules
11.3.2 Cortical Reaction
11.4 Common Themes and General Overview
12 Decondensation of the Sperm Nucleus
12.1 Eutherians
12.2 Monotremes
12.3 Marsupials
12.4 Common Themes and Overview
13 Completion of Meiosis, Pronuclei Development and Syngamy
13.1 Eutherians
13.1.1 Completion of Oocyte Meiosis
13.1.2 Pronuclei Development and Syngamy
13.2 Completion of Fertilization in Monotremes
13.3 Completion of Fertilization in Marsupials
13.4 Common Themes and Overview
14 Concluding Remarks
References
7 Fertilization in Protozoa and Metazoan Animals: A Comparative Overview
1 Introduction
2 Definition of Fertilization
3 Somatic and Germ Cell Lines in Protozoa and Metazoa
4 Comparative Analysis of Fertilization in Metazoa
4.1 Sperm Capacitation and the Environment of Fertilization
4.2 Composition of Oocyte Envelope(s)
4.3 Sperm Binding to Oocyte Envelope(s)
4.4 Acrosome Reaction
4.5 Binding and Fusion of Spermatozoon to Oocyte Plasma Membrane
4.6 Oocyte Activation
4.6.1 Changes in Plasma Membrane Potential
4.6.2 Increase in [Ca2+]i
4.6.3 Cortical Alveolus/Granule Exocytosis
4.6.4 Ooplasmic Segregation
4.6.5 Increase in pHi
4.6.6 Resumption of the Cell Cycle
4.6.7 Development of Male Pronucleus
4.6.8 Pronuclear Apposition and Karyogamy
References.