Acrosomal reaction
Acrosomal Reaction
The Acrosomal Reaction (pronounced: ak-ro-so-mal re-ak-shun) is a crucial process in the fertilization of an egg by a sperm. This reaction is a series of biochemical events that occur in the sperm after it has reached the zona pellucida of the oocyte.
Etymology
The term "Acrosomal Reaction" is derived from the word "acrosome", which is a cap-like structure over the anterior part of a sperm's head. The word "acrosome" comes from the Greek words "akros" meaning "at the end" and "soma" meaning "body". The term "reaction" is used to describe the process that the acrosome undergoes during fertilization.
Process
The Acrosomal Reaction begins when the sperm comes into contact with the Zona Pellucida of the oocyte. The sperm's acrosome contains enzymes that are necessary for the sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida. These enzymes are released when the acrosome undergoes a process called exocytosis, which is triggered by the binding of the sperm to the zona pellucida.
Once the enzymes are released, they digest a path through the zona pellucida, allowing the sperm to reach the oocyte's plasma membrane. The sperm then fuses with the oocyte's plasma membrane, a process known as Membrane Fusion, and delivers its genetic material into the oocyte.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acrosomal reaction
- Wikipedia's article - Acrosomal reaction
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