Fertilization is the union of a haploid spermatozoon with a haploid oocyte to form a diploid zygote, the foundational event of sexual reproduction and embryonic development. In human reproduction it normally occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube and requires a series of coordinated steps: sperm capacitation an…
Fertilization is the union of a haploid spermatozoon with a haploid oocyte to form a diploid zygote, the foundational event of sexual reproduction and embryonic development. In human reproduction it normally occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube and requires a series of coordinated steps: sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction, penetration of the cumulus and zona pellucida, sperm-oocyte membrane fusion, oocyte activation with cortical granule release to prevent polyspermy, completion of meiosis, and syngamy of the maternal and paternal pronuclei. Successful fertilization depends on the maturation and timely release of a competent oocyte, adequate sperm quality and function, and a permissive reproductive tract, and its failure or impairment underlies many causes of infertility. Assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization and controlled ovarian stimulation, recapitulate or bypass these steps to achieve conception. The journal publishes peer-reviewed research relevant to gamete biology and conception, including in vitro maturation of immature bovine oocytes, the effect of mild versus hyperstimulation on live-birth rates in poor-responding IVF patients of advanced maternal age, the clinical significance of low mature-oocyte yield under common ovarian stimulation protocols, prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and protective effects on isolated human sperm mitochondria. This work reflects the gamete physiology, oocyte and sperm competence, and assisted-reproduction methods central to fertilization and reproductive medicine.
12 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 12 articles above have been cited 65 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Fertilization, linking to each citing work.