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acrosome |
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acrosome /ac·ro·some/ (ak´ro-som) the caplike, membrane-bound structure covering the anterior portion of the head of a spermatozoon; it contains enzymes for penetrating the oocyte.
acrosome the caplike, membrane-bounded structure that covers the anterior portion of the head of the mammalian spermatozoon; it is bounded by an inner and an outer membrane and contains enzymes involved in penetration of the ovum. acrosome reaction fusion of the outer acrosomal membrane with the sperm plasma membrane, and the breakdown of the fused complex, after the attachment of the spermatozoon to the zona pellucida. It is induced by substances from the egg investments and releases enzymes involved in penetration of the ovum. |
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? Mentioned in | ? References in periodicals archive | |
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For instance, frog sperm have an acrosome, a
structure that releases enzymes that penetrate the outer membrane of
eggs during fertilization.
Terms explained include: cervical mucus, acrosome, testosterone,
estrogen, progesterone, erection, ejaculation, nocturnal emissions,
homosexuality, masturbation, rape, and sexual molestation. The human acrosome reaction
is highly sensitive to inhibition by cyclodiene insecticides. |
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