The Great Cellular Race: Understanding Sperm, Eggs, and Fertilization

Biology Grades High School 11:35 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the fascinating world of sexual reproduction by diving into the structure and function of sperm and egg cells. This lesson covers the fertilization process, from sperm binding to the critical block to polyspermy.

Video Resource

Egg, sperm, and fertilization | Behavior | MCAT | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine

Duration: 11:35
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Key Concepts

  • Sperm Cell Structure and Function
  • Egg Cell Structure and Function
  • Fertilization Process
  • Acrosomal and Cortical Reactions
  • Block to Polyspermy

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the structure of a sperm cell and relate its components to its function in delivering genetic material.
  • Describe the structure of an egg cell and explain the role of the zona pellucida and cortical granules.
  • Outline the steps of fertilization, including sperm binding, acrosomal reaction, and cortical reaction.
  • Explain the importance of the block to polyspermy and how it is achieved.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by engaging students with a question about the importance of sexual reproduction. Briefly introduce the video and its learning objectives. Highlight the concept of genetic material transfer and the roles of sperm and egg cells.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Egg, sperm, and fertilization' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ww5T7hCdn4). Encourage students to take notes on the key structures and processes discussed.
  • Sperm and Egg Structure (15 mins)
    Lead a discussion on the structure of sperm and egg cells. Use diagrams or models to reinforce understanding of the function of each part (e.g., flagellum, mitochondria, acrosome, zona pellucida, cortical granules). Compare and contrast the size and function of the two cells.
  • Fertilization Process (15 mins)
    Explain the steps of fertilization, emphasizing the acrosomal reaction and the cortical reaction. Discuss the significance of each step in ensuring successful fertilization and preventing polyspermy. Use visual aids or animations to illustrate the process.
  • Conclusion (5 mins)
    Summarize the key concepts covered in the lesson. Reiterate the learning objectives and answer any remaining questions from students. Preview the next steps in development, such as cleavage and blastulation.

Interactive Exercises

  • Sperm and Egg Cell Labeling
    Provide students with unlabeled diagrams of sperm and egg cells. Have them label the different parts and describe the function of each.
  • Fertilization Process Flowchart
    Have students create a flowchart outlining the steps of fertilization, including the acrosomal reaction, cortical reaction, and the fusion of genetic material.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important for sperm cells to have a large number of mitochondria?
  • What is the purpose of the zona pellucida and what role does it play in fertilization?
  • Explain the importance of the cortical reaction in preventing polyspermy.
  • Why is the egg cell so much larger than the sperm cell?

Skills Developed

  • Scientific Vocabulary
  • Critical Thinking
  • Visual Representation
  • Process Analysis

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which part of the sperm cell contains enzymes that help it penetrate the egg?

Correct Answer: Acrosome

Question 2:

What is the main function of the sperm's tail?

Correct Answer: Propulsion

Question 3:

Which structure surrounds the egg cell and contains glycoproteins?

Correct Answer: Zona pellucida

Question 4:

What is the purpose of the acrosomal reaction?

Correct Answer: To digest the zona pellucida

Question 5:

What is the cortical reaction responsible for?

Correct Answer: Blocking polyspermy

Question 6:

The block to polyspermy ensures that:

Correct Answer: Only one sperm fertilizes the egg

Question 7:

Which cell has more mitochondria?

Correct Answer: Egg Cell

Question 8:

Where does the sperm primarily get its energy to move?

Correct Answer: Mitochondria

Question 9:

Which of the following best describes the acrosome?

Correct Answer: A sac of digestive enzymes

Question 10:

What triggers the cortical reaction?

Correct Answer: The binding of sperm to the zona pellucida

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The male sex cell is called a(n) ________.

Correct Answer: sperm

Question 2:

The female sex cell is called a(n) ________.

Correct Answer: egg

Question 3:

The tail of the sperm cell is also known as the ________.

Correct Answer: flagellum

Question 4:

________ are the organelles that provide energy to the sperm cell.

Correct Answer: Mitochondria

Question 5:

The genetic material of the sperm cell is located in the ________.

Correct Answer: nucleus

Question 6:

The thick outer coating of the egg cell is called the ________ ________.

Correct Answer: zona pellucida

Question 7:

The process of sperm and egg fusing is called ________.

Correct Answer: fertilization

Question 8:

The ________ reaction involves the release of enzymes from the sperm to digest the zona pellucida.

Correct Answer: acrosomal

Question 9:

The ________ reaction prevents multiple sperm from fertilizing the egg.

Correct Answer: cortical

Question 10:

The prevention of more than one sperm fertilizing the egg is called the block to ________.

Correct Answer: polyspermy

Educational Standards

B.LS1.1:[Standard] Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells. B.LS1.2:[Standard] Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms. B.LS3.1:[Standard] Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.

Teaching Materials

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