Question

Explain the structure of sperm.

Answer 1

SPERM:

1. The sperm is the male gamete in case of human reproduction.
2. Approximately 200-300 million sperm are ejaculated at one go.

Structure of sperm:

1. The sperm consists of the head, neck, middle piece and tail.
2. The entire body of the sperm is covered by a plasma membrane.
3. The head consists of a cap-like structure called the acrosome which contains digestive enzymes that help in the fertilization of the ovum. It also contains a haploid nucleus i.e. with only 23 chromosomes.
4. The middle piece consists of many mitochondria which provide energy to the sperm for locomotion, it also contains the centrioles.
5. The tail is for the motility of the sperm.