acrosomal reaction definition
Definition of 'acrosome'. Word Frequency. acrosome (ˈækrəˌsəʊm ) noun. a cap-like structure on the tip of a spermatozoon that releases enzymes on encountering the ovum allowing fusion with the ovum in the sexual reproductive process; this part of the process is known as the acrosome reaction. Word origin of 'acrosome'. C19: from acro- + -some3. Definition of 'acrosome reaction'. acrosome reaction (ˈækrəˌsəʊm rɪˈækʃən) noun. physiology. the release of enzymes from the acrosome when a spermatozoon encounters the ovum, allowing fusion with the ovum in the sexual reproductive process. Useful links. The function of the acrosome reaction is to help the sperm get through the egg's protective coat and to allow the plasma membranes of the sperm and egg to fuse. This places both haploid nuclei (one from the sperm and one from the egg) into the same cell, where they form the diploid genome of the new organism. Express the events and function of the acrosomal reaction. 1) Triggered by ZP3 2) Mediated by Ca++ 3) Involves fusion of acrosomal membrane with the plasma membrane, occurs when fertilin, a sperm glyco protein is exposed and mediates attachment to the egg plasma membrane (integrin, CD9). Communicate the events and function of the cortical reaction. The Acrosome Reaction. The acrosome reaction is the exocytosis of the acrosome, or the fusion of the acrosomal membrane with the sperm's plasma membrane. This process releases the acrosomal contents to the outside of the sperm and exposes the inner acrosomal membrane proteins on the sperm's outer plasma membrane. The acrosome is an organelle that develops over the anterior half of the head in the spermatozoa (sperm cells) of many animals. It is a cap-like structure derived from the Golgi apparatus. Acrosome formation is fully completed 5–10 years after testicular maturation. Definition - What does Acrosome Reaction mean? The acrosomal reaction is the process of two sex gametes, known as the egg cell and the sperm cell, fusing together, causing fertilization. Acrosomal reactions are an essential step of conception, and any abnormality can prevent fertilization and cause infertility. Sperm Capacitation. Sperm capacitation refers to the physiological changes spermatozoa must undergo in order to have the ability to penetrate and fertilize an egg. This term was first coined in 1952 by Colin Russell Austin based on independent studies conducted by Austin and Min Chueh Chang and published in 1951. His original use of the term capacitation referred to any physiological processes undergone by sperm while in the female reproductive tract that allowed the sperm to then penetrate an egg. As technology advanced and knowledge of the mechanisms of fertilization increased, this definition was updated for modern use. FertilitySmarts explains Acrosome Reaction. After intercourse, sperm swim through the female reproductive system in search of an egg. When the sperm locates the egg, fertilization is attempted. An egg released during ovulation is coated in a thick layer of clear membranes, called the zona pellucida (ZP).
The acrosomal reaction is the process of two sex gametes, known as the egg cell and the sperm cell, fusing together, causing fertilization.