Question

Which one of the following statements about human sperm is correct ?

• A. The sperm lysins in the acrosome dissolve the egg envelope facilitating fertilization
• B. Acrosome serves as a sensory structure leading the sperms towards the ovum
• C. Acrosome serves no particular function
• D. Acrosome has a conical pointed structure used for piercing and penetrating the egg resulting in fertilisation

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Acrosome is the cap-like structure on the front end of a spermatozoon. It breaks down just before fertilisation (the acrosome reaction), releasing a number of hydrolytic enzymes, also called sperm lysins that assist penetration between the follicle cells that still surround the ovum, thus facilitating fertilisation. Failure of the acrosome reaction is a cause of male infertility.