Chapter 30.5, Problem 1MC

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The events of fertilization.

Introduction:

The sperm cell swims toward the oocyte after intercourse. About 100 million sperm begin their journey in the vagina, but only about 200 sperms reach the egg cell in a uterine tube. Then, these sperm need to cross two layers to contact the ovum. A thin, transparent, jelly-like layer of proteins and carbohydrates surrounded by an outer layer of follicle cells covers the oocyte. When the sperm contacts the follicle cells, its acrosome bursts. It releases enzymes that digest both the layers.