Question

Draw labelled diagram for the structure of human sperm.

Hint:

Remember that the middle piece is the "powerhouse" of the sperm because it contains mitochondria providing swimming energy.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The human sperm is a microscopic, motile male gamete composed of four distinct regions, all enveloped by a plasma membrane.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
A well-labelled diagram of a human sperm should include:
1. Head: Contains an elongated haploid nucleus. The anterior portion is covered by a cap-like structure called the Acrosome (filled with enzymes that help in fertilization).
2. Neck: The short region connecting the head to the middle piece.
3. Middle Piece: Contains numerous mitochondria, which produce energy (ATP) for the movement of the tail.
4. Tail: A long structure that facilitates sperm motility essential for reaching the ovum.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The primary components to label in the diagram are: Plasma Membrane, Acrosome, Nucleus, Neck, Mitochondria (Middle Piece), and Tail.