What Happens to Sperm When Exposed to Conditions Inside the Female

Question

What happens to sperm when exposed to conditions inside the female reproductive tract?
A) The gametes are replicated.
B) The gametes are stored to optimize at a later time for fertilization.
C) The gametes are nourished.
D) The gametes are destroyed after a few hours, as they are no longer capable of fertilization.
E) They undergo capacitation.

Accepted Answer

Sperm undergo capacitation, a process where they become more motile and able to fertilize an egg, when exposed to the conditions inside the female reproductive tract. This process includes changes in the sperm membrane and an increase in intracellular calcium.