FERTILIZIN Meaning and
Definition
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Fertilizin refers to a protein compound found in the reproductive systems of certain organisms, most notably marine invertebrates. It plays a crucial role in the process of fertilization by enabling the binding and fusion of sperm and egg cells. Fertilizin exhibits specificity, meaning that it has the ability to recognize and bind specifically to receptors on the surface of the egg cell. It facilitates the initial contact between sperm and egg, initiating the reproductive process.
The presence of fertilizin on the egg’s surface attracts and binds to complementary molecules on the head of the sperm cell, facilitating attachment and fusion. This molecular interaction is a vital step in fertilization, as it brings the sperm and egg membranes in close proximity, leading to the eventual merging of their genetic material.
Fertilizin molecules are often glycoproteins, meaning they are composed of a protein backbone with attached sugar molecules. This glycosylation may contribute to their adhesive properties, aiding in the recognition and binding process. The significance of fertilizin in successful reproduction is further highlighted by studies that demonstrate its conservation and essentiality across various species.
Overall, fertilizin acts as a key mediator in the complex molecular interactions that occur during fertilization, helping to ensure the successful union of male and female gametes, and subsequently, the continuation of the species.
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A hypothetical substance supposed by Lillie to be the active agent in fertilization; having two side chains, one reacting with the sperm, the other with the ovum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FERTILIZIN
- fertilize
- fertilized
- fertilizes
- fertilising
- fertilizing
- dertilizin
- certilizin
- vertilizin
- gertilizin
- tertilizin
- rertilizin
- fwrtilizin
- fsrtilizin
- fdrtilizin
- frrtilizin
- f4rtilizin
- f3rtilizin
- feetilizin
- fedtilizin
- feftilizin
Etymology of FERTILIZIN
The term "fertilizin" is derived from the word "fertilize" with the addition of the suffix "-in".
The word "fertilize" comes from the Latin word "fertilis", meaning "fruitful" or "fertile". It is related to the Latin verb "ferre", which means "to bear" or "to carry". "Fertilize" originally referred to the process of enriching the soil to promote plant growth and reproduction.
The suffix "-in" is a common suffix used to form nouns in biology. It typically indicates a substance or a protein. In this case, "fertilizin" refers to a protein involved in the fertilization process, specifically the binding of sperm to eggs during sexual reproduction in certain organisms.
Similar spelling word for FERTILIZIN
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