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Response to Sperm Penetration of the Cortex of Eggs of the Fish, Plecoglossus altivelis
Author(s) -
KUDO SHIGEHARU
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
development, growth and differentiation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.864
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1440-169X
pISSN - 0012-1592
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-169x.1983.00163.x
Subject(s) - spermatozoon , sperm , plecoglossus altivelis , human fertilization , penetration (warfare) , biology , anatomy , fish <actinopterygii> , andrology , fishery , botany , operations research , medicine , engineering
The response of the egg to sperm penetration was examined in eggs of the fish, Plecoglossus altivelis , by scanning electron microscopy. Eggs responded to sperm penetration by forming a fertilization cone at a “sperm entry site”, which is a specialized structure in the egg surface under the micropyle. Within one minute, the fertilization cone showed dramatic morphological changes from its earliest appearance, through full two‐storied growth to its marked recession. The sperm entry site in the egg surface is discussed as a morphologically specialized organ responsible for the entrance of a fertilizing spermatozoon. The morphological characteristics of the egg and sperm are also described.