The ultimate goal in the study of gene expression in oocytes is to understand the special characteristics of the genetic program that confer totipotency on the egg. Totipotency includes both the ability to generate differentiated cells of every description among its progeny and the ability to develop as an organized whole organism. What switches and circuits among genes and gene products maintain or renew such potential at each generation? What special cytoplasmic organization underlies the pattern appearing in the early embryo? Obviously, we are a long way from answering this kind of question.