Oocyte growth.

The main elements of reproduction are exposed with emphasis on its preparation during the larval stage. The system oocyte-nurse cells-follicular cells is described and the principal features of egg morphogenesis are indicated. Two types of problems are concentrated on : 1) sequential determination of growth and evolution of the follicle in the ovarian tube, 2) morphological and biochemical aspects of chorion formation. Variation in the functioning of the oocyte's morphogenetic system is explored with discussion of the role of larval alimentation, temperature, hormonal environment and genetic factors.