acrosome

(noun)

A caplike structure over the anterior half of the sperm's head.

Related Terms

Examples of acrosome in the following topics:

  • Sperm

    • The head contains the nucleus with densely coiled chromatin fibers, surrounded anteriorly by an acrosome that contains enzymes for penetrating the female egg.

  • Fertilization

    • By destabilizing the membrane, the sperm prepares for the acrosome reaction, the enzymatic penetration of the egg's tough membrane, the zona pellucida.

  • Spermatogenesis

    • The Golgi apparatus surrounds the now condensed nucleus, becoming the acrosome.
    • Diagram of parts of a spermatozoon, including the acrosome, plasma membrane, nucleus, centriole, mitochondria, terminal disc, axial filament, tail, endpiece, midpiece, and head.