Successful fertilization in vitro has a minimum of two basic requirements:(1) capacitated
sperm and (2) mature, unaged oocytes. Depending on the aims of the experiment, further
requirements may exist. For example, if development beyond the 2-cell stage is required, the
genetic background of the oocyte donor is important. If care is taken to ensure that fairly
rigorous methods of gamete preparation and coincubation are followed, an in vitro system
can be used for a wide range of investigations focusing on gamete competence (eg …