Acrosome

Definition

The acrosome is a cap-like structure that covers the anterior half of a sperm's head, containing enzymes essential for breaking down the outer membrane of an egg to allow sperm entry during fertilization. It plays a crucial role in ensuring successful fertilization by facilitating the sperm's penetration into the egg.

Related terms

Fertilization: The process by which a sperm cell unites with an egg cell, leading to the formation of a zygote.

Zona pellucida: A thick, external glycoprotein layer surrounding an oocyte (egg cell), which must be penetrated by the sperm for fertilization to occur.

Enzyme: Biological molecules that significantly speed up the rate of virtually all of the chemical reactions that take place within cells