The Braun Lab

Our Research Focus

Gamete production

Gametes (sperm and eggs) are highly specialized cells. Spermatozoa contain condensed chromatin, a flagellum, and an acrosomal vesicle whose contents are used for penetrating the outer layer of the egg. Oocytes, unfertilized eggs, have an exceptionally large cytoplasm containing RNA and protein that drives the early cleavage divisions and reprograms the male pronucleus to support early development.