During fertilization, the acrosomal contents ________.
A) block polyspermy
B) help propel more sperm toward the egg
C) digest the protective jelly coat on the surface of the egg
D) trigger the completion of meiosis by the sperm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The acrosomal contents contain enzymes that digest the protective jelly coat on the surface of the egg, allowing the sperm to penetrate and fertilize the egg.

(A) is incorrect because the acrosomal contents do not directly block polyspermy, although they can indirectly prevent it by increasing the likelihood of successful fertilization by a single sperm.
(B) is incorrect because the acrosomal contents do not help propel more sperm toward the egg - this is the role of chemotaxis and other mechanisms.
(D) is incorrect because the completion of meiosis by the sperm occurs prior to fertilization, not as a result of fertilization itself.

During Fertilization, the Acrosomal Contents ________