Question

What happens if more than one sperm enters the egg?

Answer 1

Polyspermy:

1. Polyspermy is the phenomenon in which an egg has been fertilized by more than one sperm.
2. Fertilization is a physiological process of the fusion of the male and female gametes leading to the formation of the zygote.
3. When sperm approaches the ovum during fertilization, an acrosomal reaction occurs.
4. In this reaction, the sperm acrosome connects to the receptors on the egg membrane and fuses with the egg's outer layer (Zona pellucida).
5. This reaction results in the fusing of male and female gametes, resulting in fertilization.
6. The acrosome reaction leaves the egg incapable of polyspermy.
7. Thus, once one sperm enters the egg, the zona pellucida becomes resistant to sperm binding and penetration due to cortical reaction.
8. If the egg is fertilized by numerous sperms, it leads to improper segregation of chromosomes during cell division.
9. In this way, non-diploid cells are created that usually stop developing.