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Review
. 2016 Sep;83(9):748-754.
doi: 10.1002/mrd.22684.

Biological optimization, the Goldilocks principle, and how much is lagom in the preimplantation embryo

Henry J Leese  1 , Fabrice Guerif  2 , Victoria Allgar  3 , Daniel R Brison  4 , Kersti Lundin  5 , Roger G Sturmey  3
Affiliations
Free article
Review

Biological optimization, the Goldilocks principle, and how much is lagom in the preimplantation embryo

Henry J Leese et al. Mol Reprod Dev. 2016 Sep.
Free article

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.

Keywords: biological optimization; metabolism; nutrition; preimplantation.

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