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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the cholesterol vesicles in the spermatozoa?

To release enzymes from the acrosome

To inhibit sperm activity in the male genital ducts

To facilitate fertilization of the ovum

To toughen the cellular membrane covering the sperm acrosome (correct)

What is the result of the spermatozoa escaping from the cholesterol vesicles after ejaculation?

The acrosome is weakened (correct)

The spermatozoa becomes mature

The spermatozoa is inhibited from fertilizing the ovum

The uterine and fallopian tube fluids are activated

What is the purpose of capacitation of the spermatozoa?

To toughen the cellular membrane covering the sperm acrosome

To release enzymes from the acrosome

To inhibit sperm activity in the male genital ducts

To facilitate fertilization of the ovum (correct)

How long does the capacitation of the spermatozoa take?

Between 1 and 10 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the uterine and fallopian tube fluids in capacitation?

To wash away the inhibitory factors that suppress sperm activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the multiple changes that occur during capacitation?

The spermatozoa is activated for the final processes of fertilization Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the capacitation of the spermatozoa in fertilization?

It facilitates fertilization of the ovum Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the removal of the inhibitory factors that suppress sperm activity during capacitation?

The spermatozoa is activated for the final processes of fertilization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of hyaluronidase in fertilization?

To open pathways between granulosa cells Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the acrosome when the sperm reaches the zona pellucida?

It rapidly dissolves and releases all acrosomal enzymes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the cortical granules released by the oocyte during fertilization?

To reject binding of additional sperm Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the fusion of the sperm head and oocyte cell membranes?

The formation of a single cell with a unique genome Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of calcium ions in fertilization?

To trigger the release of cortical granules Signup and view all the answers

How many chromosomes are present in the female pronucleus after fertilization?

23 unpaired chromosomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the final result of the fertilization process?

The formation of a single cell with 46 chromosomes Signup and view all the answers

What binds specifically with receptor proteins in the zona pellucida?

The anterior membrane of the sperm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hyaluronidase enzyme during the fertilization process?

To depolymerize the hyaluronic acid polymers in the intercellular cement Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the calcium ions entering the sperm cell during the capacitation process?

The flagellum of the sperm cell becomes stronger Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why the sperm acrosome cannot release its enzymes immediately after ejaculation?

The presence of cholesterol in the sperm cell membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the proteolytic enzymes during the fertilization process?

To digest the proteins in the structural elements of tissue cells adhering to the ovum Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the fertilization process?

The fusion of the sperm cell membrane with the ovum cell membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the acrosome reaction during the fertilization process?

To facilitate the penetration of the sperm through the zona pellucida Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the loss of excess cholesterol from the sperm cell membrane during the capacitation process?

The acrosome of the sperm cell releases its enzymes rapidly Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the zona pellucida in the fertilization process?

To prevent the sperm from penetrating the ovum Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sperm Capacitation and Fertilization

Sperm are exposed to vesicles with large amounts of cholesterol in the male genital ducts, preventing the release of enzymes from the acrosome.
After ejaculation, sperm gradually lose excess cholesterol, weakening the acrosome and allowing enzymes to be released.

Capacitation Process

Capacitation of spermatozoa is required for fertilization.
In the female genital tract, sperm undergo capacitation, which requires several hours (between 1 and 10 hours).
Uterus and fallopian tube fluids wash away inhibitory factors that suppress sperm activity in two phases.
Changes during capacitation include:
- Uterine and fallopian tube fluids removing inhibitory factors that suppress sperm activity.

Acrosome Reaction and Fertilization

The acrosome contains hyaluronidase and proteolytic enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the granulosa cells and zona pellucida.
Hyaluronidase depolymerizes hyaluronic acid polymers, allowing the sperm to open pathways between granulosa cells.
Proteolytic enzymes digest proteins in the structural elements of tissue cells that adhere to the ovum.
The sperm binds to receptor proteins in the zona pellucida, releasing acrosomal enzymes that open a way through the zona pellucida.
The sperm head fuses with the oocyte membrane, and the chromosomes combine to form a new cell genome.

Single Sperm Entry

Only one spermatozoid enters the oocyte during fertilization.
After the first sperm penetrates the zona pellucida, calcium ions diffuse inward through the oocyte membrane, causing cortical granules to be released and blocking additional sperm from entering.

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