The acrosome of a spermatozoon contains
- A. the mitochondria that power the tail
- B. hydrolytic enzymes that digest the coverings of the egg
- C. the haploid nucleus
- D. contractile proteins of the flagellum
Explanation
The acrosome is a lysosome like cap over the front of the head, and its enzymes, including hyaluronidase, break down the corona radiata and zona pellucida so that one sperm can reach the egg membrane. The nucleus lies behind it in the head, and the mitochondria are packed into the middle piece. A sperm whose acrosome reaction fails cannot fertilise even a normal egg.