Question

Which of the following statements are correct about the structure of a sperm?

• [A.] It is composed of head, thorax, neck and tail.
• [B.] The neck region contains a lot of mitochondria.
• [C.] The mitochondria produce energy for the movement of the tail.
• [D.] The tail facilitates sperm motility essential for fertilization.

• A. A and B only
• B. B and C only
• C. C and D only
• D. B and D only

Hint:

The acrosome present at the tip of sperm head contains enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the ovum during fertilization.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Human sperm is a highly specialized microscopic male gamete adapted for movement and fertilization. Structurally, it contains head, neck, middle piece, and tail.

Step 1: Analyzing statement A carefully.
Statement A is incorrect because sperm does not contain a thorax. The correct structural parts are: \[ \text{Head} + \text{Neck} + \text{Middle Piece} + \text{Tail} \]

Step 2: Analyzing statement B carefully.
Statement B is also incorrect because mitochondria are not concentrated in the neck region. Numerous mitochondria are tightly packed in the middle piece of sperm.

Step 3: Understanding the function of mitochondria.
The mitochondria present in middle piece generate ATP through cellular respiration. This ATP provides energy required for beating movement of tail.

Step 4: Understanding the importance of tail.
The tail performs whip-like lashing movements that help sperm swim through the female reproductive tract toward the ovum. Therefore, sperm motility depends greatly on the tail.

Step 5: Determining the correct statements.
- Statement C is correct because mitochondria provide energy for movement.
- Statement D is correct because tail enables motility essential for fertilization. Hence, only statements C and D are correct.