Chapter 42: Problem 2

Compare the structures of the egg and sperm. What structural modifications do sperm have that facilitate movement, energy use, and gaining access to the egg?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The egg and sperm cells are structurally different to fulfill their unique roles in the fertilization process. The egg is large, spherical, and contains nutrients for the developing zygote, while the sperm is small, mobile, and equipped with structures that help it penetrate the egg during fertilization. Sperm cells have a tail (flagellum) that enables movement through whip-like motions, a midpiece containing abundant mitochondria for energy production, and an acrosome in the head containing enzymes that help break down the egg's protective layers for fertilization.

Step by step solution

Identify the structure of an egg

The egg, or ovum, is the female gamete. It is a large, spherical cell with a protective layer called the zona pellucida surrounding it. It has cytoplasm containing nutrients and organelles essential for the early development of a zygote after fertilization. The egg cell also contains the female's genetic material in the form of chromosomes.

Describe the structure of a sperm

The sperm is the male gamete, and it is a much smaller cell compared to the egg. It consists of a head, a midpiece, and a tail. The head contains the nucleus that holds the male's genetic material, and it is covered by a specialized structure called the acrosome, which stores enzymes required for penetrating the egg's outer layers. The midpiece contains numerous mitochondria, which supply energy for the sperm's movement. The tail, also known as the flagellum, propels the sperm forward.

Compare the structures of the egg and sperm

The egg and sperm cells are structurally different as they have unique roles to play in the fertilization process. The egg is large, spherical, and contains nutrients for the developing zygote, while the sperm is small, mobile, and equipped with structures that help it penetrate the egg during fertilization.

Describe the structural modifications in sperm that facilitate movement

The sperm's tail, or flagellum, is a key structural modification that enables movement. The flagellum is composed of microtubules that generate whip-like movements, allowing the sperm to propel itself towards the egg.

Identify structural modifications in sperm related to energy use

The sperm's midpiece contains a high concentration of mitochondria, which are essential for producing the energy required for movement. The abundance of mitochondria in the midpiece ensures a steady supply of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), enabling the sperm to maintain its motility as it travels towards the egg.

Explain how sperm's structural adaptations help in gaining access to the egg

The sperm's head is covered with a specialized structure called the acrosome, which contains enzymes required for penetrating the egg's protective layers. When the sperm comes into contact with the zona pellucida surrounding the egg, the acrosome releases its enzymes in a process called acrosome reaction. These enzymes help break down the egg's outer layers, enabling the sperm to gain access to the egg and ultimately fuse with the egg's plasma membrane to complete fertilization.

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Compare the structures of the egg and sperm. What structural modifications do sperm have that facilitate movement, energy use, and gaining access to the egg?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identify the structure of an egg

Describe the structure of a sperm

Compare the structures of the egg and sperm

Describe the structural modifications in sperm that facilitate movement

Identify structural modifications in sperm related to energy use

Explain how sperm's structural adaptations help in gaining access to the egg

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