Question

State how the sperm is structurally adapted to reach and penetrate the ovum. [4 MARKS]

Answer 1

Each Point: 1 Mark

Composed of a head, mid-piece, and tail, the sperm is adapted to reach and penetrate the female ovum.

(i) The tail propels the sperm along its way.
(ii) The mid-piece has abundant mitochondria that provide the energy for locomotion.
(iii) The head contains acrosome, a specialized lysosome that digests the limiting membrane of the ovum and facilitates penetration by the sperm.
(iv) The head and middle piece of the sperm enter the ovum during fertilization.