FERTILIZATION MEMBRANE Meaning and
Definition
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Fertilization membrane refers to a specialized structure that forms immediately after the fusion of the sperm and egg during the process of fertilization in certain organisms. It is a vital barrier that develops around the fertilized egg, playing a crucial role in preventing polyspermy, which occurs when multiple sperm cells penetrate the egg, potentially leading to genomic imbalances and developmental abnormalities.
The fertilization membrane is composed of proteins and other molecules that are secreted by the egg upon sperm entry or fusion. It acts as a physical shield around the egg, preventing additional sperm from binding to and penetrating the egg's plasma membrane. This ensures that only a single sperm successfully fertilizes the egg, thus maintaining the genetic integrity of the resulting embryo.
The thickness and composition of the fertilization membrane vary among different organisms. In some species, such as sea urchins and frogs, the membrane forms quickly as a result of cortical granule exocytosis, where the egg releases granules that fuse with the plasma membrane to create a protective barrier. In mammals, the fertilization membrane is formed by the zona pellucida, a glycoprotein-rich matrix that surrounds the egg.
Overall, the fertilization membrane is a crucial mechanism that ensures successful fertilization by preventing polyspermy in various organisms, thereby allowing for the healthy development of the resulting embryo.
Common Misspellings for FERTILIZATION MEMBRANE
- dertilization membrane
- certilization membrane
- vertilization membrane
- gertilization membrane
- tertilization membrane
- rertilization membrane
- fwrtilization membrane
- fsrtilization membrane
- fdrtilization membrane
- frrtilization membrane
- f4rtilization membrane
- f3rtilization membrane
- feetilization membrane
- fedtilization membrane
- feftilization membrane
- fettilization membrane
- fe5tilization membrane
- fe4tilization membrane
- ferrilization membrane
Etymology of FERTILIZATION MEMBRANE
The term "fertilization membrane" is derived from the combination of two words:
1. Fertilization: The word "fertilization" comes from the Latin word "fertilis", meaning "fruitful" or "fertile". It entered the English language in the early 19th century and refers to the process by which a male sperm cell fuses with a female egg cell to initiate the development of a new organism.
2. Membrane: The word "membrane" has its roots in the Latin word "membrana", which means "parchment" or "thin skin". It was adopted into English in the mid-16th century and refers to a thin layer or sheet-like structure that separates or covers different parts of an organism.
