Introduction: Stimulate the mitochondria! A Bonington approach to improving assisted reproductive technology outcomes or a call to action?

This introduction reviews the background of mitochondrial transplantation. Its goals are to provide both basic and clinical insights into mitochondria and reproduction. The articles will review the biology of mitochondria, mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitochondrial stress (unfolded protein response), discuss novel imaging technology, fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy to visualize mitochondria and their function in oocytes and early embryos, provide a critical and objective review of the data suggesting and refuting the possible use of mitochondrial DNA as well as other emerging technologies as a biomarker for embryo viability and finally to review the use of mitochondria as a rejuvenation tool in human in vitro fertilization.