Chapter 7 Chapter Outline

Structure of the Gametes

• Sperm
• The egg
• Recognition of egg and sperm

External Fertilization in Sea Urchins

• Sperm attraction: Action at a distance
• The acrosome reaction
• Recognition of the egg’s extracellular coat
• Fusion of the egg and sperm cell membranes
• Prevention of polyspermy: One egg, one sperm
• Activation of egg metabolism in sea urchins
• Fusion of genetic material in sea urchins

Internal Fertilization in Mammals

• Getting the gametes into the oviduct: Translocation and capacitation
• In the vicinity of the oocyte: Hyperactivation, directed sperm migration, and the acrosome reaction
• Recognition at the zona pellucida
• Gamete fusion and the prevention of polyspermy
• Activation of the mammalian egg
• Fusion of genetic material

Fertilization in Angiosperm Plants

• Pollination and beyond: The progamic phase
• Pollen germination and tube elongation
• Pollen tube navigation
• Double fertilization

Coda