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Acrosome

In spermatozoa (also known as sperm/sperm cell) of many animals, the Acrosome is an organelle that develops over the anterior half of the sperm's head. It is a cap-like structure derived from the Golgi apparatus. Acrosome formation is completed during testicular maturation. In Eutherian mammals the acrosome contains digestive enzymes (including hyaluronidase and acrosin). ^[1] These enzymes breakdown the outer membrane of the ovum called the zona pellucida, allowing the haploid nuclei in the sperm to join with the haploid nucleus found in the ova.

See also

• Acrosome reaction
• Capacitation

References

1. ^ acrosome definition - Dictionary - MSN Encarta. Retrieved on 2007-08-15.