Question

The function of mitochondria in sperm is
A. To control the movement of sperm.
B. To provide energy for the movement of sperm.
C. To provide energy to the nucleus.
D. None of the above.

Answer 1

Hint: The middle piece of the sperm possesses numerous mitochondria in it. The mitochondria are also known as the powerhouses of cells.
They have the ETS which is involved in the production of ATP molecules.

Complete answer: The general definition of motility is the ability of an organism or fluid to move.
1. Sperm motility refers to the movement and swimming of sperm through the female genital tract up to the fallopian tube where fertilization occurs.
2. The sperm is divided into 4 parts namely, the head, neck, a middle piece, and lastly a tail.
The middle piece is the central part of the sperm cell located between the head and the tail of the sperm. Just like the head, the middle piece makes up about 10 percent of the total length of the sperm.
3. Unlike the sperm head that carries genetic material, the middle piece contains bundles of tightly packed mitochondria that provide the energy required for swimming.
4. In addition to providing the energy required for swimming, these mitochondria also play a crucial role in controlled cell death which is better known as apoptosis.

Note: Usually, when sperm motility is poor, there are other problems found with sperm health like low sperm counts or poor sperm morphology.
Between the head and the midpiece lies the centriole which is important for the development of sperm flagellum for proper movement of the sperm.