Fertilisation

From WikiMD's WELLNESSPEDIA

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]

The process of fertilisation involves several stages:

  1. Contact: The sperm makes contact with the ovum's protective outer layer, the zona pellucida.
  2. Acrosomal reaction: The sperm's acrosome releases digestive enzymes to break down the zona pellucida.
  3. Sperm binding: Proteins on the sperm head bind to the zona pellucida.
  4. Cortical reaction: The ovum releases enzymes to harden the zona pellucida and prevent other sperm from binding.
  5. Fusion: The sperm and ovum plasma membranes fuse, allowing the sperm to enter the ovum.
  6. Activation: The ovum completes its second meiotic division, forming the mature ovum and second polar body.
  7. Nuclear fusion: The sperm and ovum nuclei fuse to form the diploid zygote.

Consequences[edit]

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]

References[edit]


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  • Sperm approaching egg
    Sperm approaching egg
  • Fertilisation process
    Fertilisation process
  • Diagram of acrosome reaction
    Diagram of acrosome reaction
  • Human fertilization
    Human fertilization
  • Fertilisation
    Fertilisation

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