sperm capacitation
Pronunciation: ka-PAS-i-TAY-shun
Biochemical changes that sperm undergo to acquire the ability to fertilize an oocyte.
Full Definition
A series of physiological and biochemical modifications that sperm must undergo in the female reproductive tract or in laboratory conditions to become capable of fertilizing an egg. The process involves changes in membrane composition, increased motility patterns (hyperactivation), and preparation for the acrosome reaction. Capacitation typically takes several hours and can be induced artificially during IVF procedures using specialized media. Without proper capacitation, sperm cannot bind to or penetrate the zona pellucida surrounding the oocyte.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from acrosome reaction, which occurs after capacitation during fertilization.
In Context
- "Sperm were incubated in capacitation medium for 4 hours before ICSI procedures." — laboratory protocol
- "The IVF laboratory uses specialized media to promote sperm capacitation and hyperactivation." — procedure documentation