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Biology IB HL - 11.4 Sexual Reproduction Part 3

Biology25 CardsCreated about 1 month ago

This flashcard deck covers key concepts of sexual reproduction in humans, focusing on the structure and function of gametes, fertilization processes, and adaptations for reproductive success.

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How is the female gamete adapted to its function?

The female gamete (egg) is large and non-motile and contributes all the organelles and cytoplasm to the zygote
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Key Terms

Term
Definition
How is the female gamete adapted to its function?
The female gamete (egg) is large and non-motile and contributes all the organelles and cytoplasm to the zygote
What 3 sections can typical human spermatozoa be divided into?
A typical human spermatozoa can be divided into three sections – head, mid-piece and tail
What 3 structures does the head region contain?
The head region contains three structures – a haploid nucleus, an acrosome cap and paired centrioles
What does the haploid nucleus of the sperm cell contain?
The haploid nucleus contains the paternal DNA (this will combine with maternal DNA if fertilisation is successful)
What does the acrosome cap contain?
The acrosome cap contains hydrolytic enzymes which help the sperm to penetrate the jelly coat of the egg
What are the centrioles needed by?
The centrioles are needed by a zygote in order to divide (egg cells expel their centrioles within their polar bodies)
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Biology IB HL - 11.4 Sexual Reproduction Part 3
TermDefinition
How is the female gamete adapted to its function?
The female gamete (egg) is large and non-motile and contributes all the organelles and cytoplasm to the zygote
What 3 sections can typical human spermatozoa be divided into?
A typical human spermatozoa can be divided into three sections – head, mid-piece and tail
What 3 structures does the head region contain?
The head region contains three structures – a haploid nucleus, an acrosome cap and paired centrioles
What does the haploid nucleus of the sperm cell contain?
The haploid nucleus contains the paternal DNA (this will combine with maternal DNA if fertilisation is successful)
What does the acrosome cap contain?
The acrosome cap contains hydrolytic enzymes which help the sperm to penetrate the jelly coat of the egg
What are the centrioles needed by?
The centrioles are needed by a zygote in order to divide (egg cells expel their centrioles within their polar bodies)
What does the midpiece contain and why?
The mid-piece contains high numbers of mitochondria which provide the energy (ATP) needed for the tail to move
What does the tail contain and why?
The tail (flagellum) is composed of a microtubule structure called the axoneme, which bends to facilitate movement
What two layers is a typical egg surrounded by?
A typical egg cell is surrounded by two distinct layers – the zone pellucida (jelly coat) and corona radiata
What is the zona pellucida?
The zona pellucida is a glycoprotein matrix which acts as a barrier to sperm entry
What is the corona radiata?
The corona radiata is an external layer of follicular cells which provide support and nourishment to the egg cell
What is within the egg cell?
Within the egg cell are numerous cortical granules, which release their contents upon fertilisation to prevent polyspermy
Does an egg cell have a haploid nucleus?
Although diagrams of egg cells commonly include a haploid nucleus, no nucleus will form within the egg until after fertilisation has occurred (the egg cell is arrested in metaphase II until it becomes fertilised by a sperm)
What does external fertilisation involve?
External fertilization involves the fusion of gametes (egg and sperm) outside of the body of a parent
When is external fertilisation most common?
It is most common in aquatic animals, where the water acts as a medium via which the gametes can travel
What is external fertilisation susceptible to?
This method of fertilization is susceptible to environmental influences, such as predators and pH changes

Therefore what quantity of gametes are released when organisms reproduce via external fertilisation?

Consequently, species that reproduce this way usually release large quantities of gametes to compensate for losses; The process of releasing gametes into the water is called spawning

What is internal fertilisation?
Internal fertilization involves the fusion of gametes (egg and sperm) inside of the body of a parent
What method does internal fertilisation require?
This requires a method by which the gamete of one parent can be introduced inside the body of another (e.g. copulation)
What type of animals use internal fertilisation and why?
Internal fertilization offers more protection to the gametes and embryos, but at a potential survival cost to the parent
What are the 3 processes involved in fertilisation in humans?
capacitation acrosome reaction cortical reaction
What is a brief description of capacitation?
biochemical changes which occur post ejaculation to improve sperm motility
What is a brief description of acrosome reaction?
the release of hydrolytic enzymes which softens the zona pellucida (jelly coat)
What is a brief description of cortical reaction?
hardening of the jelly coat post fertilization to prevent potential polyspermy
When does capacitation occur?
Capacitation occurs after ejaculation, when chemicals released by the uterus dissolve the sperm’s cholesterol coat