Human fertilization. Animation showing the process of fertilization in humans and other mammals. A sperm cell (male sex cell, white) fuses with a secondary oocyte (maturing ovum, female sex cell, brown). Penetration occurs as the acrosome (structure covering the head of the sperm) produces enzymes to allow passage through the outer layer of the oocyte. The genetic material from both cells (blue and green) then undergoes changes to prepare for fusion. The sperm nucleus (green) retains its centrosome (red) for the later formation of the mitotic spindle, while the oocyte nucleus (blue) undergoes its second meiotic division. The two nuclei fuse, the genetic material condenses into chromosomes (prophase), and the nuclear membranes dissolve. This is followed by the parallel alignment of the chromosomes on a metaphase plate in the phase known as metaphase. This is part of the first mitotic division of the newly fertilised egg (zygote). For this animation with labels, see K004/3694. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Biocosmos / Francis Leroy & Chris Lippens |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Länge: | 26 Sekunden |
Seitenverhältnis: | 16:9 |
Restrictions: | - |