Question

 Explain the structure of sperm?

Answer 1

Hint: Sperm is a male reproductive cell. In the higher vertebrates such as mammals sperm is produced in the testicles. Let us have a look at its structure. 

Complete answer:

Sperm is a male gamete that is composed of a head, neck, middle piece, and tail. All parts and Whole body of sperm are enclosed by a plasma membrane. The head of the sperm contains an elongated haploid nucleus. The anterior portion or top of the head is covered by a cap-like structure called an acrosome. This acrosome is filled with enzymes that help in getting in the ovum and cause fertilization.

The three main parts of sperm are explained below:

> The head

The head of the sperm mainly contains the nucleus. The nucleus holds the DNA of the cell. The head also contains many enzymes. These help the sperm to break through the cell membrane of an egg.

> The midpiece

This part of the sperm is packed with mitochondria. As we all know, Mitochondria are organelles in cells that produce energy. This part gives the sperm energy and Sperm uses the energy in the midpiece to move.

> The tail 

The tail moves like a propeller, around and around, and helps the sperm to move. This tail is a long flagellum and pushes the sperm forward. Sperm can travel about 30 inches per hour with the help of the tail. This may not sound very fast, but don’t forget how small a sperm is, therefore, the speed with which sperm moves is very fast. It moves about as fast as you do when you walk briskly.

Note: Sperm are male gametes. They are formed in the testes and mature in the epididymis. All three parts are very important and perform different functions like The head of the sperm contains the nucleus and DNA, the midpiece is packed with mitochondria and gives energy, and the tail moves like a propeller and helps in movement.