Fertilisation
Fertilisation is a process in sexual reproduction that involves the union of male (sperm) and female (ovum) gametes (each with a single, haploid set of chromosomes) to produce a diploid zygote.
Process[edit | edit source]
The process of fertilisation involves several stages:
- Contact: The sperm makes contact with the ovum's protective outer layer, the zona pellucida.
- Acrosomal reaction: The sperm's acrosome releases digestive enzymes to break down the zona pellucida.
- Sperm binding: Proteins on the sperm head bind to the zona pellucida.
- Cortical reaction: The ovum releases enzymes to harden the zona pellucida and prevent other sperm from binding.
- Fusion: The sperm and ovum plasma membranes fuse, allowing the sperm to enter the ovum.
- Activation: The ovum completes its second meiotic division, forming the mature ovum and second polar body.
- Nuclear fusion: The sperm and ovum nuclei fuse to form the diploid zygote.
Consequences[edit | edit source]
Fertilisation initiates the development of a new individual organism, starting with the formation of the zygote, which develops into an embryo and eventually a fully formed individual. It also determines the genetic makeup of the new individual, including its sex.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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