EN
The aim of this review was to present the role of embryonic genome activation in zygote formation and in early embryonic development. Moreover, the authors emphasize the influence of selected factors on the quality and development of embryos in preimplantation stages. In recent years, reproductive biologists have focused on such processes as the regulation of oogenesis, folliculogenesis and morphogenesis. Thanks to the development of molecular biology and reproductive bio-techniques, it was possible to demonstrate the important role that activation of the embryonic genome plays in the above processes. Embryonic genome activation is a specific process whose origins dependent on the species of the mammal. In some species, activation of the embryonic genome begins in the 2-cell-stage embryo, while in others it begins during the 5th cell division. Molecular changes associated with embryonic genome activation play a crucial role in the morphological structure of the embryo. However, most of these morphological structure changes occur in the cell nucleus following the formation of nucleolus precursor bodies (NPB). It has also been suggested that epigenetic changes, such as the methylation and demethylation of embryonic DNA or the acetylation of histones, may play an important role in embryonic genome activation. There is little literature describing the influence of sperm RNA on basic semen parameters, the ability of a spermatozoon to fertilize an oocyte, or early mammalian embryonic development. This review discusses these parameters, as well as the role of micro-engineering and microfluidic research in the assessment of embryo quality.