Reproductive System - Sperm’s Journey

Question 1

Embedded in the oocyte memberane, there are ….

Answer 1

Receptors, once a sperm binds to one of the receptors, the other receptors will change their shape to prevent the binding of other sperm to another receptor (prevents polyspermy fertilization).

Question 2

Once the sperm enters the nucleus of the ovum, what reaction occurs?

Answer 2

A cortical reaction occurs, the fusion of the gamates memberanes cause an increase in intracellular calcium which in response causes a surge for the oocyte to prepare for cell division.

Question 3

What happens to the cortical granules and why?

Answer 3

The Cortical granules spill into the extracellular space beneath the zona pellucida. When binded with water, swelling occurs and detaches any sperm that still may be in contact with the oocyte, as well as clip sperm binding receptors. This is to prevent polyspermy.