Which one of the following statements about human sperm is correct?[20...
Acrosome a small pointed structure at the tip of nucleus. It breaks down just before fertilization, releasing hydrolytic enzymes that assist penetration between follicle cells that surrounds the ovum, thus facilitating fertilization.
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Which one of the following statements about human sperm is correct?[20...
Penetration of human sperm is a chemical mechanism. In this, acrosome of sperm undergoes acrosomal reaction and releases certain sperm lysins, which dissolve the egg envelope locally and make the path for the penetration of sperm. Sperm lysins are acidic proteins. These sperm lysins contain a lytic enzyme hyaluronidase (that dissolves the hyaluronic acid polymers in the intercellular spaces, which holds the granulosa cells of corona radiata together) corona penetrating enzyme and acrosin.
Which one of the following statements about human sperm is correct?[20...
The correct statement about human sperm is option 'B': The sperm lysins in the acrosome dissolve the egg envelope, facilitating fertilisation.
Explanation:
The acrosome is a specialized structure located at the head of the sperm. It is derived from the Golgi apparatus and contains enzymes known as lysins. These lysins play a crucial role in the process of fertilization.
The process of fertilization begins when the sperm reaches the egg. The acrosome plays a key role in the recognition and penetration of the egg. Here's how the lysins in the acrosome facilitate fertilization:
1. Recognition of the egg: The acrosome serves as a sensory structure that helps the sperm to detect and locate the egg. It contains receptors that recognize specific molecules on the surface of the egg.
2. Binding to the egg: Once the sperm reaches the egg, the acrosome helps the sperm to bind to the egg's zona pellucida, which is the thick outer layer surrounding the egg.
3. Penetration of the egg envelope: The lysins in the acrosome are responsible for breaking down the egg envelope, also known as the zona pellucida. The lysins are enzymes that can digest the proteins and carbohydrates present in the egg envelope, allowing the sperm to penetrate through it.
4. Fusion of sperm and egg: After the sperm penetrates the egg envelope, it can fuse with the egg cell membrane, allowing the genetic material from the sperm to enter the egg.
Overall, the lysins in the acrosome are essential for the sperm to dissolve the egg envelope and facilitate the process of fertilization. Without these enzymes, the sperm would not be able to penetrate the egg and fertilization would not occur.
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