Changes in the Structure of Nuclei after Transfer to Oocytes

Nuclear transfer and the potential for cloning animals have refocused attention on the oocyte. This focus is not limited to the use of the oocyte as a recipient in nuclear transfer procedures, but more broadly in terms of what factors are present in the oocyte that are responsible for establishing the developmental pattern of RNA synthesis and subsequent protein production. Deviations in the pattern of RNA synthesis can result in abortions, as well as abnormalities at birth. This paper will focus on the changes to nuclear structure that result from transfer to the cytoplasm of an oocyte, as well as some of the changes in the patterns of RNA synthesis that have been described.