8 Questions
What is the process by which a sperm fertilizes an egg, resulting in the formation of a zygote?
Fertilization
During which step of fertilization does the sperm release enzymes to penetrate the outer layer of the egg?
Acrosome reaction
What is the term for the process where multiple sperm fertilize an egg?
Polyspermy
Which type of fertilization occurs inside the female body?
Internal fertilization
What is the factor that affects fertilization by influencing the timing of sperm release and ovulation?
Timing of ovulation and sperm release
What is the mechanism to prevent polyspermy that involves the release of enzymes to prevent multiple sperm penetration?
Cortical granule reaction
What is the clinical issue that can result from problems with fertilization?
Infertility
Which assisted reproductive technology involves fertilization techniques?
In vitro fertilization
Study Notes
Fertilization
Definition
- Fertilization: The process by which a sperm fertilizes an egg, resulting in the formation of a zygote.
Steps of Fertilization
- Capacitation: Sperm undergoes changes in the female reproductive tract to become capable of fertilization.
- Acrosome reaction: Sperm releases enzymes to penetrate the outer layer of the egg.
- Fusion of gametes: Sperm nucleus fuses with the egg nucleus, forming a zygote.
- Cortical reaction: The egg releases enzymes to prevent polyspermy (multiple sperm fertilization).
Types of Fertilization
- External fertilization: Fertilization occurs outside the body, common in aquatic animals.
- Internal fertilization: Fertilization occurs inside the female body, common in terrestrial animals.
Factors Affecting Fertilization
- Sperm quality and quantity
- Egg quality and receptivity
- Timing of ovulation and sperm release
Mechanisms to Prevent Polyspermy
- Cortical granule reaction: Release of enzymes to prevent multiple sperm penetration.
- Zona pellucida reaction: Hardening of the egg coat to prevent additional sperm binding.
Clinical Importance
- Infertility: Issues with fertilization can lead to infertility in individuals.
- Assisted reproductive technologies: Fertilization techniques used in IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies.
Fertilization
Definition
- Fertilization is the process where a sperm fertilizes an egg, resulting in the formation of a zygote.
Steps of Fertilization
- Sperm undergoes capacitation to become capable of fertilization in the female reproductive tract.
- The acrosome reaction releases enzymes to penetrate the outer layer of the egg.
- The sperm nucleus fuses with the egg nucleus, forming a zygote.
- The cortical reaction releases enzymes to prevent polyspermy (multiple sperm fertilization).
Types of Fertilization
- External fertilization occurs outside the body and is common in aquatic animals.
- Internal fertilization occurs inside the female body and is common in terrestrial animals.
Factors Affecting Fertilization
- Sperm quality and quantity affect fertilization.
- Egg quality and receptivity affect fertilization.
- The timing of ovulation and sperm release affects fertilization.
Mechanisms to Prevent Polyspermy
- The cortical granule reaction releases enzymes to prevent multiple sperm penetration.
- The zona pellucida reaction hardens the egg coat to prevent additional sperm binding.
Clinical Importance
- Infertility can result from issues with fertilization in individuals.
- Assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF, use fertilization techniques to overcome infertility.
Learn about the steps of fertilization, including capacitation, acrosome reaction, fusion of gametes, and cortical reaction. Understand how sperm fertilizes an egg, resulting in zygote formation.
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