Even in the Absence of Sperm, Metabolic Activity in an Egg

Question

Even in the absence of sperm, metabolic activity in an egg can be artificially activated by
A) abnormally high levels of carbonic acid in the cytosol.
B) abnormally low levels of extracellular oxygen.
C) injection of calcium ions into the cytosol.
D) exposure to the low pH of the uterus.
E) depletion of its ATP supplies.

Accepted Answer

Injection of calcium ions into the cytosol can trigger metabolic activity in an egg, even in the absence of sperm. This method is often used in fertility treatments and assisted reproduction techniques. The calcium ions can activate enzymes and stimulate the release of stored energy in the egg. Other options such as abnormally high levels of carbonic acid, low levels of oxygen, or low pH can be harmful to the egg and are unlikely to activate metabolic activity. Depletion of ATP supplies also would not be effective in activating the egg.