Typically, one sperm fertilizes an oocyte because ____.
A) an acid solution is released that kills all other sperm
B) special organelles within the oocyte eject more than one sperm
C) changes occur to the oocyte's protein coat that prevent further penetration
D) follicle cellular space is only wide enough for one sperm
E) usually only one sperm arrives at the oocyte

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Changes occur to the oocyte's protein coat that prevent further penetration. This process, known as the cortical reaction, alters the zona pellucida (the protein coat around the oocyte) in a way that blocks additional sperm from entering the oocyte after the first sperm has successfully fertilized it.

Typically, One Sperm Fertilizes an Oocyte Because ____