The human oocyte or egg is the rarest and most rapidly ageing cell in the body, and yet one that is essential for fertility. This 2003 book is about the development, biology and pathology of the oocyte, and technologies to manipulate, enhance and control fertility. These technologies are paving the way for overcoming infertility, avoiding inherited diseases and creating genetically engineered animals from embryo stem cells and cloning. This progress would have been impossible without the myriad of scientific and technical developments covered in this book, including the ability to manipulate and fertilize oocytes in vitro. World-leading experts provide contributions on basic and applied science of the egg, its clinical manipulation, and its pivotal role in reproductive medicine and biology.