How does the mitochondria help the sperm cell move?

Answer 1

Schematic diagram of a sperm cell, showing the (1) acrosome, (2) cell membrane, (3) nucleus, (4) mitochondria, and (5) flagellum (tail)

A sperm cell, or spermatozoon, is the haploid cell that is the male gamete. It is carried in fluid called semen, and is capable of fertilising an egg cell to form a zygote. A zygote can grow into a new organism, such as a human. Sperm cells contain half of the genetic information needed to create life. Generally, the sex of the offspring is determined by the sperm with the chromosomal pairs "XX" and "XY". Sperm cells were first observed by Antoni van LeeuwenhoekAnton van Leeuwenhoek ( October 24, 1632 August 26, 1723) was a tradesman and scientist from Delft, in the Netherlands. He is best known for his contribution to improvement of the microscope and his contributions towards the establishment of cell Biology. in 1679Events January 24 King Charles II of England disbands Parliament August 7 The brigantine Le Griffon which was commissioned by Rene Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, is towed to the southern end of the Niagara River, to become the first ship to sail the.

1 Sperm structure and size

Individual spermatozoa are highly differentiated cells, composed normally of a head, basal body (or midpiece), and tail. The head contains some cytoplasmCytoplasm is the viscid, semifluid matter contained within the plasma membrane of a cell that helps to hold the cell together. In contrast to the protoplasm, however, the cytoplasm does not include the cell nucleus. The watery or aqueous component of the and the nuclear material for fertilization. The basal bodyA basal body is a short cylindrical array of microtubules plus their associated proteins found at the base of a eukaryotic cell cilium or flagellum. Serves as a nucleation site for the growth of the axoneme. Closely similar in structure to a centriole. contains a large concentration of mitochondria that provide the energy for sperm motility through the production of ATP. The spermatozoan tail is typically a flagellum used for propulsion.

In humans, sperm cells consists of a head 5 µm by 3 µm and a tail 50 µm long. The tail flagellates, which propels the sperm cell. The cell is characterized by a minimum of cytoplasm.

2 Sperm production

Main article: Spermatogenesis

Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubule s of the testes in a process called spermatogenesis. Round cells called spermatogonia divide and differentiate eventually to become sperm. During sexual intercourse the sperm is deposited in the vagina - and then it moves to the ovum.

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Answer 2

Mitochondria are power houses (engines) that produce energy in the form of ATP. As far as sperm go, these are wrapped around the base of the tail and the energy they produce drive the sperm forward much like a motor on a boat will. They fall off if and when that one sperm gets into the very large egg.

Answer 3

The mitochondria acts as energy levels so helps the sperm metaphorically 'swim' towards the egg, which will then be fertilised.

Answer 4

Sperms move by propelling flagella. This need a lot of energy.