Let's imagine a new form of birth control for males has been developed. This drug works by inhibiting capacitation of the sperm after ejaculation has occurred. Determine why capacitation is a critical step through which sperm must pass for fertilization

to be successful and why this drug may work.

What will be an ideal response?


A drug that prevents capacitation will render sperm incapable of fertilizing an immature female gamete. Under normal conditions, the alkaline pH of semen helps make the sperm fully motile, and the sperm begin the process of capacitation. By this process, sperm undergo changes that enable them to penetrate and fertilize an immature female gamete. Sperm should finish capacitation in the female reproductive tract, where secretions will prepare the sperm cell's plasma membrane to fuse with that of the female gamete. Without these changes, sperm will be unable to penetrate a female gamete.

Anatomy & Physiology

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What is a minimum data base?

What will be an ideal response?

Anatomy & Physiology

The pyloric gland area of the stomach antrum

a. secretes gastrin b. is inhibited by acid c. is stimulated by the presence of glucose d. contains mucous cells e. secretes pepsinogen

Anatomy & Physiology

Cattle are usually fed ____ to ____ times a day

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Anatomy & Physiology

Because the anatomy and physiology of the body's structures are interrelated, it is often said that "form determines ________."

A) anatomy B) physiology C) structure D) function E) biology

Anatomy & Physiology