Cumulus-oocyte developmental competence: From morphological selection to molecular markers

Abstract

The term "oocyte competence or quality" is the fi nal measurement of its ability to achieve all cytoplasmic, nuclear and molecular events either in vivo or in vitro to bring a healthy offspring. Sirard, et al. [1] have defi ned the levels of competence as the ability of oocyte to resume meiosis, cleave following fertilization, develop and differentiate into blastocyst stage, induce pregnancy and fi nally bring healthy offspring.