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Biological optimization, the Goldilocks principle, and how much is lagom in the preimplantation embryo
Author(s) -
Leese Henry J.,
Guerif Fabrice,
Allgar Victoria,
Brison Daniel R.,
Lundin Kersti,
Sturmey Roger G.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.22684
Subject(s) - goldilocks principle , biology , embryo , embryogenesis , andrology , blastomere , genetics , medicine , astrobiology
ABSTRACT The quiet embryo hypothesis postulates that early embryo viability is associated with a relatively low metabolism (Leese, 2002 BioEssays 24: 845–849). This proposal is re‐visited here using retrospective and prospective data on the metabolic activity and kinetics of preimplantation development alongside the concept that an optimal range of such indices and of energetic efficiency influences embryogenesis. It is concluded that these considerations may be rationalized by proposing the existence of a “Goldilocks zone,” or as it is known in Sweden, of lagom —meaning “just the right amount”—within which embryos with maximum developmental potential can be categorized. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 748–754, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc .