Acrosome
In sperm cells of many higher animals, the Acrosome develops over the anterior half of its head. It is a cap-like structure derived from the Golgi apparatus. It contains enzymes needed to penetrate the tough outer covering of the ovum.
When the sperm comes in contact with that covering (the egg jelly), the acrosome reaction takes place, during which actin polymerizes to form the acrosomal process; also, the acrosomal vesicle fuses with the plasma membrane of the egg cell, and digestive enzymes are released from the sperm to digest the egg jelly and give access to the egg.
Referenced By
Sperm | Sperm cell | Spermatazoa | Spermatozoa | Spermatozoan | Spermatozoon | Spermatozoön
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