Inhibition of fertilization refers to the prevention or hindrance of the union of male and female reproductive cells, namely the sperm and the egg, resulting in the formation of a zygote and subsequent fertilization. It is a natural or artificial process that occurs in various living organisms, including plants, animals, and humans.
In plants, the inhibition of fertilization can occur through various mechanisms. One common mechanism involves the release of chemical substances from the flower or pollen that either repel or kill the pollen tube, preventing its growth towards the ovary. Other plants may possess physical barriers, such as modified flower structures or stigma hair, which hinder the entry or growth of pollen tubes.
Similarly, in animals, such as insects or marine organisms, the inhibition of fertilization can occur through different methods. These may include the production of chemical substances by the female reproductive tract that repel or immobilize sperm, or the presence of physical barriers that prevent sperm from reaching the eggs.
In humans, inhibition of fertilization can be achieved through various methods, both natural and artificial. Natural methods include the production of cervical mucus that thickens and acts as a barrier to sperm entry into the uterus, or the release of chemical signals that repel or immobilize sperm. Artificial methods involve the use of contraception, such as barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms), hormonal methods (birth control pills), or intrauterine devices (IUDs), which prevent fertilization by altering the reproductive environment or blocking the movement or survival of sperm.
Overall, inhibition of fertilization refers to any mechanism or intervention that prevents the successful fusion of sperm and egg, thus obstructing the process of reproduction.
