Sperm Cannot Fertilize an Ovum Unless It Has Been in the Female

question 15

Multiple Choice

Sperm cannot fertilize an ovum unless it has been in the female reproductive tract for several hours. This enhanced ability of the sperm to fertilize the ovum is called capacitation. In vitro studies indicate that freshly ejaculated sperm can fertilize the ovum if they are first rinsed in salt solution before being introduced to the ovum. These observations suggest that

• A) the process of capacitation involves the removal of some inhibiting substances from the sperm.
• B) pH is an important factor in the process of capacitation.
• C) in capacitation, secretions of the female reproductive tract are taken up by the sperm.
• D) the process of capacitation is temperature dependent.
• E) only sperm that come into contact with vaginal secretions are capable of fertilizing an ovum.

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Definitions:

Opportunity Cost

The real cost of an item: what you must give up in order to get it.

Explicit Cost

Direct, out-of-pocket payments for expenses incurred in business operations, such as wages, rent, and materials.

Monetary Cost

The amount of money that must be paid or spent to acquire goods, services, or assets.

Implicit Cost

The opportunity costs that arise from using assets, resources, or funds in specific ways rather than the next best alternative.