In an egg cell treated with EDTA, a chemical that binds calcium and magnesium ions,
A) the acrosomal reaction would be blocked.
B) the fusion of sperm and egg nuclei would be blocked.
C) the fast block to polyspermy would not occur.
D) the fertilization envelope would not form.
E) the zygote would not contain maternal and paternal chromosomes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fertilization envelope is formed by the fusion of cortical granules with the egg plasma membrane, and this process depends on the release of calcium ions from intracellular stores. Since EDTA binds calcium ions and inhibits their release, the fertilization envelope would not form.

In an Egg Cell Treated with EDTA, a Chemical That