Skip to main content
SWStudyWalks Search

Biology / Unit 13   Bio 3343 short lesson, about 20 seconds

One Sperm Fertilizes the Egg; Polyspermy Is Actively Blocked

Captions available

The idea

Once one sperm fuses with the egg, per Bio 3341, the egg triggers a rapid membrane change blocking further sperm, preventing polyspermy.

In practice

The fertilizing sperm's entry triggers egg-surface changes that alter the membrane within seconds.

Where people slip

"Fertilization takes many sperm," per Bio 3341, ignores this block keeping fertilization to one sperm.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it  ·  Sources for Biology