acrosome

Meaning

A cap-like organelle located at the anterior end of a sperm cell that contains digestive enzymes necessary for penetrating the egg's protective membrane.

Examples

• The acrosome reaction is triggered when the sperm makes contact with the zona pellucida of the oocyte.
• Defects in the formation of the acrosome can lead to male infertility by preventing the sperm from binding to the egg.