If an egg cell were 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 fertilisation envelope would not form.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fertilisation envelope is formed when cortical granules in the egg release their contents, causing a depolarisation of the egg membrane and the formation of a barrier to polyspermy. This process is dependent on the presence of calcium ions, which are bound by EDTA, therefore, the fertilisation envelope would not form if an egg cell were treated with EDTA.

If an Egg Cell Were Treated with EDTA, a Chemical