The acrosome is a thin cap of protoplasm encasing the head of a sperm. The acrosome is believed to contain an enzyme, hyaluronidase, that dissolves the coronaradiata, the protective outer coat of the ovum, making sperm penetration easier. The enzyme of the acrosome of one sperm is insufficient to break down the ovummembrane. Therefore, contrary to popular opinion, it takes more than one spermatozoon to produce a baby. Only one sperm, however, will actually penetrate the egg. Research Acrosome
The corona radiata is a group of follicular cells surrounding the zona pellucida. It is the gelatinous protective outer coat of the ovum. The thin cap surrounding the head of the sperm, called the acrosome, contains the enzyme hyaluronidase, which is capable of dissolving the corona radiata enabling sperm penetration. Research Corona Radiata
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Acrosome
