What happens during fertilization in humans after many sperms reach c...
The process of fusion of a sperm with an ovum is called fertilization. During fertilization, a sperm comes in contact with the zona pellucida layer of the ovum and induces changes in the membrane that block the entry of additional sperms. Thus, it ensures that only one sperm can fertilize an ovum. The secretions of the acrosome help the sperm enter into the cytoplasm of the ovum through the zona pellucida and the plasma membrane. In contact with the surface of egg covering, the acrosome releases its contained hydrolytic enzymes, also called sperm lysins. It is known as acrosomal reaction. Acrosome reaction results in dissolving of corona cells and degeneration of zona pellucida which helps in sperm penetration.
What happens during fertilization in humans after many sperms reach c...
Secretions of Acrosome helps one sperm enter cytoplasm of ovum through zona pellucida:
During fertilization in humans, after many sperms reach close to the ovum, the process of fertilization occurs. The acrosome is a structure at the tip of the sperm that contains enzymes necessary for penetrating the ovum. Here's how the process unfolds:
1. Acrosome Reaction: When a sperm reaches close to the ovum, the acrosome undergoes a reaction releasing enzymes that help in breaking down the zona pellucida, which is the outer layer of the ovum.
2. Penetration of Zona Pellucida: The enzymes released from the acrosome enable one sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida and reach the cytoplasm of the ovum.
3. Fusion of Sperm and Egg: Once the sperm enters the ovum, the nuclei of the sperm and egg fuse together, combining their genetic material to form a zygote.
4. Prevention of Polyspermy: The entry of one sperm into the ovum triggers changes in the zona pellucida, making it impermeable to other sperm. This prevents polyspermy, which is the fertilization of an egg by more than one sperm.
5. Formation of Zygote: The fusion of the genetic material from the sperm and egg forms a zygote, which is the first stage of development of a new individual.
In conclusion, the secretions of the acrosome play a crucial role in allowing one sperm to enter the ovum through the zona pellucida during fertilization. This ensures the successful fusion of genetic material and the formation of a zygote, initiating the process of embryonic development.
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