Which one of the following statements about human sperm is correct?
- Acrosome has a conical pointed structure used for piercing and penetrating the egg, resulting in fertilisation
- The sperm lysins in the acrosome dissolve the egg envelope facilitating fertilisation
- Acrosome serves as a sensory structure leading the sperm towards the ovum
- Acrosome serves no particular function
Answer
(2) The sperm lysins in the acrosome dissolve the egg envelope facilitating fertilisation
Solution
As per NCERT, the head of the sperm contains an elongated haploid nucleus, the anterior portion of which is covered by a cap-like structure, the acrosome.
∵ The acrosome is filled with enzymes (sperm lysins) that help in the fertilisation of the ovum.
⇒ These lysins dissolve the egg envelopes (zona pellucida etc.) so that the sperm can enter.
Answer: (2)