acrosome
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Related to Acrosomes: Acrosome reaction, Acrosomal process
acrosome
[ak´ro-sōm]the caplike, membrane-bound structure covering the anterior portion of the head of a spermatozoon; it contains enzymes involved in penetration of the ovum. 

Acrosome of a spermatozoon. From Applegate, 2000.
acrosome reaction changes in the spermatozoon that result in development of perforations in the acrosome, allowing release of enzymes that facilitate fertilization.
ac·ro·some
(ak'rō-sōm),A caplike organelle or saccule derived from Golgi elements that surround the anterior two thirds of the nucleus of a sperm. Enzymes contained within this structure probably facilitate the sperm's penetration of the zona pellucida of the oocyte.
Synonym(s): acrosomal cap, head cap
[acro- + G. soma, body]
acrosome
(ăk′rə-sōm′)n.
A caplike structure at the anterior end of a spermatozoon that produces enzymes aiding in egg penetration.
ac′ro·so′mal (-sō′məl) adj.
Acrosome
A membrane-bound cap-like structure at the head of a spermatozoon that contains lytic enzymes—e.g., acrosin hyaluronidase—which degrade the ovum’s zona pellucida, allowing the penetration of one sperm.acrosome
Reproduction biology A membrane-bound cap-like structure at the head of a spermatozoon that contains lytic enzymes–acrosin hyaluronidase which degrade the outer coat of the egg and allow the penetration of one sperm. See Acrosome reaction. Cf Capacitation.ac·ro·some
(ak'rō-sōm)A caplike organelle that surrounds the anterior two thirds of the nucleus of a sperm. Within this cap are enzymes that are thought to facilitate entry of the sperm into the oocyte.
[acro- + G. soma, body]