Join the conversation on IDNLearn.com and get the answers you seek from experts. Find reliable solutions to your questions quickly and easily with help from our experienced experts.
Fertilization involves several key processes in sexual reproduction:
1. Sperm Activation and Attraction: Sperm cells undergo activation to become capable of fertilizing an egg. Chemical signals from the egg attract the sperm.
2. Sperm-Egg Binding: The sperm binds to the outer layer of the egg, called the zona pellucida in mammals.
3. Acrosome Reaction: Enzymes from the sperm's acrosome (a cap-like structure) are released to digest a pathway through the zona pellucida, allowing the sperm to reach the egg's plasma membrane.
4. Fusion of Membranes: The plasma membranes of the sperm and egg fuse, allowing the sperm to enter the egg.
5. Sperm Entry: The sperm's nucleus enters the egg, while the rest of the sperm is typically left outside.
6. Cortical Reaction: The egg releases enzymes that modify the zona pellucida to prevent additional sperm from entering, ensuring only one sperm fertilizes the egg.
7. Nuclear Fusion: The sperm and egg nuclei (each containing half the number of chromosomes) merge to form a zygote with a full set of chromosomes.
8. Zygote Formation: The fertilized egg, now called a zygote, begins cell division and development into an embryo.
These steps collectively ensure the successful combination of genetic material from both parents, initiating the development of a new organism.