Incorporation of Amino Acids During Maturation In Vitro by the Mouse Oocyte: Effect of Puromycin on Protein Synthesis

Abstract

Mouse oocytes cultured in vitro in the presence of [U-¹⁴C] valine mature at apparently a normal rate. The amino acid is utilized by the eggs in synthesizing proteins. The amount of TCA insoluble material was decreased when 1 µg/ml puromycin was added to the culture medium. Puromycin also inhibited the normal nuclear progression of the oocytes. Aspartate does not enter the cell as readily as valine.