What does the middle piece of a human sperm possess?

The correct answer is Option (2) → Numerous mitochondria

A human sperm has a head, a neck, a middle piece and a tail, all covered by a plasma membrane. Each part carries its own structures, so the parts are easy to mix up.

Option (1) Acrosome — Incorrect. The acrosome is a cap-like structure over the front part of the nucleus. It lies in the head and is filled with enzymes that help fertilisation of the ovum.

Option (2) Numerous mitochondria — Correct. The middle piece possesses numerous mitochondria. They produce energy for the movement of the tail, and this movement gives the sperm the motility it needs for fertilisation.

Option (3) Elongated haploid nucleus — Incorrect. The elongated haploid nucleus is also in the head of the sperm, not in the middle piece. It carries the chromosomal material of the father.

NCERT Extract:
Gametogenesis – “… Let us examine the structure of a sperm. It is a microscopic structure composed of a head, neck, a middle piece and a tail (Figure 2.6). A plasma membrane envelops the whole body of sperm. The sperm head contains an elongated haploid nucleus, the anterior portion of which is covered by a cap-like structure, acrosome. The acrosome is filled with enzymes that help fertilisation of the ovum. The middle piece possesses numerous mitochondria, which produce energy for the movement of tail that facilitate sperm motility essential for fertilisation.”