What is the function of the digestive enzymes in the acrosome?

They break down the zona pellucida of the egg, allowing the sperm to penetrate.

Where are the mitochondria located in a sperm cell?

In the midpiece, arranged around the base of the flagellum.

Why do sperm cells have numerous mitochondria in the midpiece?

To provide ATP for the movement of the tail/flagellum.

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The structure of sperm and egg cells

3 things to know
Papers 1, 2 and 3

Overview

Recall questions on the acrosome, the flagellum, mitochondria, the zona pellucida and the cortical granules.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What is the acrosome and what does it contain?

Key term

What structure enables sperm cells to swim towards the egg?

Key term

What type of nucleus does a sperm cell have and what does it contain?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is the acrosome and what does it contain?
Model answer
A membrane-bound vesicle at the head of the sperm containing digestive enzymes.
2
What is the function of the digestive enzymes in the acrosome?
Model answer
They break down the zona pellucida of the egg, allowing the sperm to penetrate.
3
What structure enables sperm cells to swim towards the egg?
Model answer
The flagellum (tail).
4
Where are the mitochondria located in a sperm cell?
Model answer
In the midpiece, arranged around the base of the flagellum.
5
Why do sperm cells have numerous mitochondria in the midpiece?
Model answer
To provide ATP for the movement of the tail/flagellum.
6
What type of nucleus does a sperm cell have and what does it contain?
Model answer
A haploid nucleus containing paternal genetic material.

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