Updated by: Arabinda Naik
The secretions of seminal vesicles, prostate gland and Cowper’s glands activate the sperm to fertilize the egg and neutralize the acidity of vagina. The capacitated sperms undergo acrosomal reaction and release various chemicals. These chemicals are called sperm lysins. Important sperm lysins are.
Hyaluronidase: That acts on ground substances of follicle cells. It digests hyaluronic acid present in corona radiata.
Corona penetrating enzyme: That dissolves corona radiate and
zona lysine (Acrocin): That helps to digest the zona pellucida.
Optimum pH, Ca++, Mg++ ions concentration and temperature are essential for acrosomal reaction. The plasma membrane of the sperm fuses with the plasma membrane of the secondary oocyte. Binding of the sperm to secondary oocyte induces depolarization of the oocyte plasma membrane.