Question Details

Sperm lysin, the enzymatic substance produced by sperms in mammals is known as

Options

A

cryanogamone

B

hyaluronic acid

C

androgamone

D

hyaluronidase

Correct Answer :

hyaluronidase

Solution :

The correct option is hyaluronidase.

During fertilization in mammals, the sperm must penetrate the protective layers surrounding the ovum (egg) to successfully fuse with it. The head of the sperm contains a specialized cap-like structure called the acrosome, which releases enzymatic substances collectively known as sperm lysins.
One of the primary barriers surrounding the ovum is the corona radiata, which consists of follicular cells held together by an extracellular matrix rich in a sticky mucopolysaccharide called hyaluronic acid.

The enzyme hyaluronidase acts specifically as a sperm lysin by depolymerizing and breaking down hyaluronic acid. This enzymatic digestion disperses the cells of the corona radiata, clearing a path for the sperm to reach the inner membrane (zona pellucida) of the egg.

Here is a brief breakdown of the other options:
Hyaluronic acid: This is the ground substance (substrate) that binds the follicle cells together, rather than the enzyme that dissolves it.
Androgamone: This is a general term for chemical substances secreted by male gametes to attract or activate female gametes, but it is not the specific digestive enzyme (lysin).
Cryanogamone: This is an incorrect or irrelevant term in this context.

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