Abstract: Mitochondria are centers for cellular energy supply. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in cellular senescence in general and ovarian aging in particular. Mitochondria are one of the most important organelles in oocytes, which play a key role in early embryo development. Dysfunctional mitochondria is discussed as major factor in predisposition to chromosomal nondisjunction during meiotic division and mitotic errors in embryos, and in reduced quality and developmental potential of aged oocytes and embryos. Oocytes quality reduction is associated with abnormal spindle, chromosome alignment, telomere shortening and absence of fibronectin in meiosis, which could result in aneuploid oocytes and infertility. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number is a potential biomarker of oocytes quality and embryo viability. The usage of mitochondrial nutrients and autologous mitochondrial transfer will be a potential treatment for poor ovarian function and response.

Key words: Mitochondria, Oocytes, DNA, mitochondrial , Embryonic development , Reproductive techniques, assisted