Repro Physl 7 Flashcards
What is the optimal time-frame for fertilization?
Between 5 days before ovulation and 1 day following ovulation
How long is sperm viable?
Up to 4-6 days
How long is the ovulated egg viable?
Between 24-48 hours
What is Capacitation?
Sperm being present in the female reproductive tract for several hours before fertilization
What occurs in capacitation?
There is a removal of proteins and carbohydrates and cholesterol from the surface of the sperm head that allows it to engage with mature ovum
How does Capacitation affect the motility of the sperm cell?
It changes from a wave-like pattern to a whip-like action of the sperm tail to propel sperm forward
What does fertilization begin with?
The fusion of a sperm and egg cell
Where does Fertilization usually occur?
In the fallopian tubes
Where do the sperm cells move between on the ovum?
Between the corona radiata granulosa cells
What is the Zona Pellucida?
A structure that surrounds a mature ovum and is a docking site for mature sperm
What serves as a receptor for proteins on the sperm cell membranes?
Glycoproteins on the zona pellucida
What triggers the Acrosome reaction?
The first sperm cell binding to the zona pellucida
What is the Acrosome Reaction?
A disruption in the sperm plasma membrane that exposes the zona pellucida to membrane enzymes
What do the acrosomal enzymes do?
Breakdown the Zona Pellucida to help the sperm cell make contact with the egg cell plasma membrane
What would occur if multiple sperm penetrate the egg?
It will no longer be viable
What prevents additional sperm from binding?
The change in membrane potential that occurs when one sperm binds to the egg
What is the cortical reaction?
When cortical granules with enzymes fuse and release their contents just below the egg plasma membrane and the zona pellucida preventing binding of additional sperm
What do the enzymes from the cortical reaction do?
- Inactivate sperm binding sites
- Harden the zona pellucida
- Prevent additional sperm from advancing
When does the second meiotic division of an ovum occur?
After it completes fertilization
What does each pronuclei from the egg and sperm contain?
23 chromosomes
How long is the conceptus housed in the fallopian tube?
3-4 days