EN
Fertilization is a complex process which includes the recognition and fusion of an oocyte and a sperm and the development of a zygote that contains a double set of chromosomes. Each step in this process is precisely controlled at the molecular level in a cascade of biochemical reactions (cortical and acrosome reactions) that determine the future of both gametes. Biochemical reactions not only reorganize gametes in morphological, physiological, and biochemical terms, but also prepare them for the future coordinated communication. Molecular aspects of gamete development and fertilization include the reorganization of the cell membrane and ligand-receptor reactions that affect the recognition of gametes and lead to the formation of pronuclei and zygote development. This article discusses several aspects of the recognition, interaction, and fusion of a sperm and an oocyte. It also describes biochemical reactions involved in the development of gametes that are capable of fertilization.