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Content archived on 2024-06-18

Sexual Selection and the Evolution of Sperm Competitiveness: The Cost and the Avoidance of Oxidative Stress in Sperm Cells

Objective

Sexual selection drives the rapid evolution of reproductive traits and genes. Specifically, high levels of sperm competition (the process in which female promiscuity forces the ejaculates from rival males to compete to fertilize the same ova) results in an improvement in sperm competitiveness. One of the main determinants of sperm competitiveness is swimming velocity, which enables sperm to outcompete rival sperm in the race to fertilize the ova. The increase in sperm metabolism associated with enhanced swimming speed is expected to increase levels of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is known to affect sperm membranes as well as DNA integrity, leading to decreased sperm function and the transmission of genetic disease to offspring. We will investigate, in a group of closely related species of rodents that differ dramatically in their levels of sperm competition, if sperm competition results in higher levels of oxidative stress, and if such oxidative stress is prevented by the evolution of protective counter-measures such as changes in the composition of the plasma membrane, increased antioxidant defenses, or a greater degree of condensation of the DNA within the sperm head.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG
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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)

Coordinator

LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY
EU contribution
€ 50 000,00
Address
RODNEY STREET 2 EGERTON COURT
L3 5UX Liverpool
United Kingdom

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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Participants (1)

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