Scribd
Upload
391 views

What Is Fertilization

Fertilization is the process where an egg and sperm unite. In humans, fertilization usually occurs in the fallopian tubes. The egg must be mature to be fertilized, having completed meiosis to metaphase stage 2. The egg is only capable of being fertilized for about 24 hours after ovulation. For fertilization to be successful, the sperm must penetrate the egg's outer layer and release its 23 chromosomes, fusing with the egg's 23 chromosomes to form a zygote containing 46 total chromosomes.

Uploaded by

api-303065931
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
391 views

What Is Fertilization

Fertilization is the process where an egg and sperm unite. In humans, fertilization usually occurs in the fallopian tubes. The egg must be mature to be fertilized, having completed meiosis to metaphase stage 2. The egg is only capable of being fertilized for about 24 hours after ovulation. For fertilization to be successful, the sperm must penetrate the egg's outer layer and release its 23 chromosomes, fusing with the egg's 23 chromosomes to form a zygote containing 46 total chromosomes.

Uploaded by

api-303065931
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 8

FERTILIZATION

Brian Ramirez
2nd period

WHAT IS
FERTILIZATION??
The process of fertilization involves complex interactions between
egg and sperm.

It includes biochemistry and binding and activation of molecular


receptors on the sperm head and egg.

WHERE DOES FERTILIZATION OCCUR?


In humans fertilization occurs in the end of the fallopian tube away from the
uterus
The egg and the associated cumulus cells are ovulated from an ovarian follicle
and picked up by the fallopian tube.
The tube pulls it inside where the sperm can find it.
With in vitro fertilization, IVF, fertilization occurs in a laboratory dish or test tube,
etc.

A "MATURE" EGG IS NEEDED


In order for fertilization to happen the egg must be mature.
"Mature" means that it has completed the process of meiosis to the
metaphase 2nd stage and is then ready to accept a sperm.
The sperm brings in another 23 chromosomes to complement the
23 held in the egg to get to a total of 46 chromosomes.

HOW LONG IS THE EGG ABLE TO BE FERTILIZED


AFTER OVULATION?
We know from in vitro fertilization studies that the egg is only capable of being
fertilized for about 24 hours after ovulation.
It is not known why it has such a short functional lifespan after ovulation, but
clearly something is rapidly changing within the egg.
Spermatozoa can live within the female reproductive tract for several days and
still maintain fertilizing potential.
Therefore, intercourse can occur up to several days prior to ovulation and when
the egg shows up for the date the sperm could potentially still get the job done.

OVULATION AND INITIAL SPERM-EGG


INTERACTION
The egg is ovulated from the ovarian follicle with an associated mass of cumulus
cells that are attached to it.
The sperm must digest through the cumulus with the help of their associated
enzymes.
The sperm binds to specific receptors on the zona pellucida (outer shell of the
egg).

SPERM PENETRATION INTO THE EGG


A series of steps allows the sperm to penetrate the shell and finally bind to the
outer egg membrane ,which is just within the outer shell.
Then the sperm head can release its contents into the center of the egg.
The main thing that the sperm brings in are the 23 chromosomes.

PRONUCLEAR FORMATION AND COMPLETION OF


FERTILIZATION

Formation of male and female


pronuclei are the final step in
the fertilization process
Pronuclei contain the genetic
material (DNA) from the sperm
and the egg
With pronuclei formation, the
fertilization process is
completed
A fertilized egg is also called a
"zygote", a "1 cell embryo" or a
"2 pronuclear embryo"

You might also like