Fertilization is characterized by
A) a sperm's fertilin proteins binding to the ovum's integrin molecules.
B) a block to polyspermy.
C) multiple sperms penetrating the ovum.
D) blastocyst formation.
E) both (a) and (b) above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fertilization is characterized by the binding of a sperm's fertilin proteins to the ovum's integrin molecules, which is known as sperm-egg recognition (choice A). It is also characterized by a block to polyspermy, which prevents multiple sperms from penetrating the ovum (choice B). Blastocyst formation occurs after fertilization, during early embryonic development, and is not directly related to the process of fertilization (choice D). Therefore, both (a) and (b) above are the best choices for the characterization of fertilization.

Fertilization Is Characterized by