Question:

Which one of the following structures provide energy for sperm movement?

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Sperm Regions and Functions:
$\bullet$ Acrosome: Lytic enzymes for ovum penetration.
$\bullet$ Head: Haploid paternal nucleus.
$\bullet$ Middle Piece: Mitochondria ('powerhouse') generating ATP for motility.
$\bullet$ Tail: Flagellum responsible for movement.
Updated On: Sep 4, 2026
  • Acrosome
  • Head
  • Middle piece
  • Tail
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
A human spermatozoon is a microscopic, flagellated motile gamete composed of four distinct anatomical regions: head, neck, middle piece, and tail.

Step 1: Structure and Energetics of Sperm Parts:

- Head: Contains an elongated haploid nucleus housing the paternal genetic material, capped anteriorly by the acrosome.
- Acrosome: A cap-like structure derived from the Golgi complex containing hydrolytic enzymes (hyaluronidase, acrosin) that aid in penetrating the egg ovum coverings during fertilization.
- Middle Piece: Contains numerous spirally arranged mitochondria (known as Nebenkern) wrapped around the axial filament. These mitochondria undergo oxidative phosphorylation to produce abundant ATP (cellular energy). This energy powers the lashing movements of the flagellar tail, facilitating forward sperm motility essential for fertilization.
- Tail: A long flagellar axoneme that executes undulating movements powered by ATP supplied by the middle piece.

Step 2: Conclusion:

The middle piece houses the mitochondria that produce energy for sperm motility.
Hence, Option (C) is the correct answer.
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