Question:

Receptors for sperm binding in mammals are present on

Updated On: Nov 13, 2025

  • Zona pellucida

  • Corona radiata

  • Vitelline membrane

  • Perivitelline space

Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To understand where the receptors for sperm binding are located in mammals, we need to consider the structure of the mammalian egg and the fertilization process.

In mammals, the egg is surrounded by several layers:

  • Corona radiata: The outermost layer made up of follicular cells.
  • Zona pellucida: A glycoprotein-rich layer beneath the corona radiata.
  • Vitelline membrane: The innermost layer that directly surrounds the egg cell (also known as the oolemma in mammals).

The process of fertilization involves the binding of a sperm cell to the egg. This interaction primarily occurs at the zona pellucida.

The zona pellucida contains specific glycoproteins that act as receptors for the sperm. When a sperm cell approaches the oocyte, it first must penetrate the corona radiata. Then, it binds to the receptors on the zona pellucida, specifically engaging with the ZP3 glycoprotein, which facilitates sperm binding and triggers the acrosome reaction necessary for fertilization.

Given the options provided:

  • Zona pellucida: Contains receptors necessary for sperm binding. Hence, this is the correct option.
  • Corona radiata: Supports and protects the oocyte but is not directly involved in sperm binding.
  • Vitelline membrane: Situated beneath the zona pellucida, not directly involved in the initial sperm binding.
  • Perivitelline space: The space between the zona pellucida and the plasma membrane of the oocyte, also not involved in initial binding.

Therefore, the correct answer is zona pellucida as it is critical for sperm binding during fertilization.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top Questions on Human health and disease

View More Questions

Questions Asked in NEET exam

View More Questions

Concepts Used:

Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system contains the external genitals (the penis, testes and the scrotum) and internal parts, including the prostate gland, vas deferens, and urethra. A man's fertility and sexual traits depend on the normal functioning of the male reproductive system, as well as hormones released from the brain.

Read More: Human Reproductive System

Organs and functions:

The male reproductive system is responsible for reproduction. It is made of the following parts:

Penis — the organ used for urination and sexual intercourse. It has spongy tissue which can fill with blood to cause an erection. It contains the urethra, which carries both urine and semen.

Scrotum — this is a loose bag of skin that hangs outside the body, behind the penis. It holds the testes in place.

Testes (or testicles) — these are a pair of egg-shaped glands that sit in the scrotum, on the outside of the body. They produce sperm and testosterone, which is the male sex hormone.

Epididymis — this is a highly coiled tube that lies at the back of the testes. All sperm from the testes must pass through the epididymis, where they mature and start to ‘swim’.

Vas deferens — this is a thick-walled tube joined to the epididymis. It carries sperm from the epididymis up to the prostate gland and urethra.

Prostate gland — this is a walnut-sized gland that sits in the middle of the pelvis. The urethra runs through the middle of it. It produces the fluid secretions that support and nourish the sperm.

Urethra — this is a tube that extends from the bladder to the external opening at the end of the penis. The urethra carries both urine and sperm.

Seminal vesicles — these are 2 small glands above the prostate gland that make up much of the fluid in semen.