To determine: The role played by egg cell membrane change directly after fertilization.
Introduction: The process of union of male gamete (sperm) and female gamete (egg) to develop a fertilized egg is described as fertilization. The fertilized egg is also referred to as a zygote.
Explanation of Solution
The union of male and female gametes is a complex process. Several male gametes are attracted to a single egg, but only one sperm gets fused with an egg. The activation of an egg by the sperm causes changes in the egg plasma membrane. These changes result in the release of ions that are present with the cytoplasm of the egg. The release of such ions further destroys the zona pellucida and makes it difficult to bind more sperms. Some of these ions also form a protective layer around the egg. Thus, the main functions of these ions are blockage of entry of additional sperm to prevent polyspermy, increase the
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 35 Solutions
PRINCIPLES OF LIFE
- Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)BiologyISBN:9780134580999Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. HoehnPublisher:PEARSONBiology 2eBiologyISBN:9781947172517Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann ClarkPublisher:OpenStaxAnatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781259398629Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa StouterPublisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
- Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)BiologyISBN:9780815344322Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter WalterPublisher:W. W. Norton & CompanyLaboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781260159363Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, CynthiaPublisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)BiologyISBN:9781260231700Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael WindelspechtPublisher:McGraw Hill Education