3.4. Reproduction & embryology Flashcards
Define fertilisation
Fertilisation is a series of processes which culminate with the union of the male gamete, the sperm, with the female gamete, the oocyte, to form a DIPLOID zygote.
Where do sperm develop?
Seminiferous tubules
Describe AZOOSPERMIA and give a possible cause
No sperm present within the ejaculate
possible cause- blockage to the vas deferens, primary testicular failure
Describe OLIGOZOOSPERMIA and give a possible cause
Reduced number of sperm in ejaculate (low sperm count)
possible cause- gonadotrophin insufficiency, drugs
Describe IDIOPATHIC OLIGOZOOSPERMIA and give a possible cause
Low sperm count but physiological parameters normal
possible cause- unexplained
Describe TERATOZOOSPERMIA and give a possible cause
Abnormal morphology (giant head, double tail, bent tail)
possible cause- genetic, toxins, viral infection
Describe ASTHENOSPERMIA and give a possible cause
Reduced/lack of mobility
possible cause- toxins, viral infection
Describe SPERM AGGLUTINATION and give a possible cause
Sperm clump together
possible cause- infection, autoimmune response
What is CAPACITATION?
A series of biochemical and functional changes undergone by the sperm in the uterus and uterine tubes, in readiness for fertilisation.
Name the 2 layers of the oocyte to be penetrated
- Corona Radiata (outermost layer)
2. Zona Pelucida
What is special about the ZONA PELLUCIDA?
It allows only species-specific sperm-egg interaction
Describe the process of the sperm binding to the zona pellucida
- Capacitated sperm loosely and reversibly adhere to surface of the ZP.
- Sperm become strongly and irreversibly bound to the ZP.
Many sperm bind to ZP, but usually only a few sperm permeate into perivitelline space and only one will fuse with oocyte plasma membrane.
Describe the ACROSOME REACTION
- Outer acrosomal membrane fuses with plasma membrane of sperm.
- Small membrane vesicles, containing acrosomal enzymes, are pinched off and contents released. This exposes the inner acrosomal membrane.
- A tunnel is digested through the ZP by acrosin and the acrosomal enzymes.
- The sperm uses lurching movements to propel it forward through the ZP and perivitelline space, so that its head is in contact with the oocyte surface membrane.
What is POLYSPERMY?
The fertilisation of the occyte by more than one sperm.
Usually fatal and often detected in spontaneous miscarriage.
Polyspermy is prevented by the CORTISOL REACTION and the ZONA REACTION.
Describe the zona reaction.
The zona pellucida loses its ability to bind to sperm and therefore to induce the acrosome reaction. This changes the texture of the ZP, known as zona hardening.
Describe first mitotic division during fertilisation
The membrane of both pronuclei break down, and the haploid chromosomes from male and female gametes become organised around a mitotic spindle.
Fertilisation is complete 18-24 hrs after fusion.
During the first mitotic division in fertilisation, what is the combination of male and female chromosomes called?
Syngamy