Mastering Biology with Pearson eText -- Standalone Access Card -- for Campbell Biology (10th Edition)
Mastering Biology with Pearson eText -- Standalone Access Card -- for Campbell Biology (10th Edition)
10th Edition
ISBN: 9780321833143
Author: Jane B. Reece, Lisa A. Urry, Michael L. Cain, Steven A. Wasserman, Peter V. Minorsky, Robert B. Jackson
Publisher: PEARSON
bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Chapter 47, Problem 47.1CR

What cell-surface event would likely fail if a sperm contacted an egg of another species?

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

To identify: The cell-surface event that has failed in case a sperm contacts an egg of different species.

Introduction:

The process of binding of a sperm to a receptor on the egg surface is species specific. There are many events that lead to the fusion of plasma membranes of egg and sperm.

  1. 1. The sperm contacts the jelly coat of egg.
  2. 2. The release of enzymes from the acrosomes.
  3. 3. Fusion of the sperm and egg plasma membrane.
  4. 4. Release of cortical granules and formation of fertilization envelope.
  5. 5. Entry of the sperm nucleus.

Explanation of Solution

There are some cell specific surface proteins that is essential for the fusion of sperm and egg. These protein are necessary for the proper recognition. If the gametes are from different species it is not possible for the sperm to induce the acrosome reaction. It is not possible for the sperm to burn its way through the egg’s outer layer.

Conclusion

All the reactions of the fertilization is possible only if the sperm and egg are from the same species. It would not occur if the sperm and egg are from different species.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
What cell-surface event wouldlikely fail if a sperm contactedan egg of another species?
If a liver cell has 10 chromosomes, how many does a sperm cell have from the same species?
Based on your understanding of cellular organelles and their roles, what happens to a sperm cell once it is inside of the macrophage? Name 2 cellular functions that this will in turn support and briefly describe why/how?
Knowledge Booster
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
  • Biology (MindTap Course List)
    Biology
    ISBN:9781337392938
    Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
    Publisher:Cengage Learning
  • Biology (MindTap Course List)
    Biology
    ISBN:9781337392938
    Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
    Publisher:Cengage Learning
    Cell Differentiation | Genetics | Biology | FuseSchool; Author: FuseSchool - Global Education;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwAz_BtVuLA;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY