BIOL 121 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Zona Pellucida, Acrosome Reaction, Cell Membrane
Document Summary
In an ejaculation, there are over 100 million sperm. These sperm must be able to swim in order to reach the ovum in the fallopian tube. Also must have ability to bind and fuse with ovum and eventually penetrate the zona pellucida for fertilization to occur. Head: contains nucleus (dna), 23 chromosomes, contain enzymes that can act to degrade parts of oocyte. Changes how sperm swim and membrane around sperm which makes it more able to bind. Occurs in female reproductive tract must happen before sperm can fertilize an ovum. Alters: sperm motility (increases), sperm plasma membrane (enhanced capacity to bind to oocyte) Describe the route sperm must travel for fertilization to occur. Ovulation- secondary oocyte is released and swept by fimbrea into tube and swept down by cilia. Introduction of sperm into reproductive tract swims up cervix into uterus, into fallopian tubes.
