Stage 1 of fertilization:
The acrosome reaction must be completed before the sperm can fuse with the secondary oocyte
- Occurs when sperms come into contact with the corona radiata of the oocyte
- Perforations develop in the acrosome
- Point fusions of the sperm plasma membrane and the external acrosomal membrane occur
- The acrosome reaction is associated with the release of acrosome enzymes that facilitate fertilization
Passage of sperm through the corona radiata depends on enzyme action:
- hyaluronidase released from sperm acrosome
- Tubal mucosal enzymes
Flagella action also aids corona radiata penetration