Oocyte activation can be triggered by a special protein released after a sperm enters the egg during fertilization. This causes an increase in calcium ions (Ca2+) inside the egg that activates mitochondria in the oocyte to produce energy, triggering the resumption of meiosis, initiate sperm DNA decondensation, recruit special maternal RNA factors, and form the male and female pronuclei. All of these steps are needed for successful fertilization.
Synonyms:
activated oocyte