Why are numerous sperm required to fertilize a secondary oocyte?
A)Multiple sperm are needed to have the required number of chromosomes for the zygote.
B)Acrosomal enzymes from multiple sperm are needed to penetrate the corona radiata.
C)Multiple sperm are needed because the male pronucleus is smaller than the female pronucleus.
D)Multiple sperm are needed to increase the extracellular calcium levels.
E)Multiple sperm are needed to provide organelles to the zygote.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acrosomal enzymes from multiple sperm are needed to penetrate the corona radiata. The corona radiata is a layer of granulosa cells surrounding the secondary oocyte. Sperm must penetrate this layer before they can reach the zona pellucida, which is another layer surrounding the oocyte. Once a sperm penetrates the zona pellucida, the oocyte undergoes a chemical change that prevents other sperm from entering. Only one sperm can then fertilize the secondary oocyte.

Why Are Numerous Sperm Required to Fertilize a Secondary Oocyte