[Lipids in the sperm plasma membrane and their role in fertilization]

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2009 Jul;15(7):651-5.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Sexual reproduction is marked by the fusion of the sperm cell with the oocyte during fertilization to produce the diploid zygote, in which the lipids in the sperm plasma membrane play an important role. Due to the loss of most cell organelles and DNA transcription, spermatozoa lack protein expression and vesicular transport. However, the lipids of the sperm plasma membrane undergo complicated dynamic changes, which may facilitate the capacitation, binding with zona pellucida, acrosome reaction and fusion of the sperm cell with the oocyte. This paper summarizes the progress in the studies of the lipids in the sperm plasma membrane, their composition, structure, peroxidation, metabolism and role in fertilization.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acrosome Reaction
  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry*
  • Fertilization*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Membrane Lipids / metabolism*
  • Sperm Capacitation
  • Spermatozoa / chemistry*

Substances

  • Membrane Lipids