Which one of the following structures provide energy for sperm movement?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Middle piece
A sperm has a head, a neck, a middle piece and a tail. The middle piece has numerous mitochondria. They produce the energy that the tail needs for its movement, and this movement is the sperm motility that fertilisation depends on.
(1) Acrosome — Incorrect. It is the cap-like structure on the head. It is filled with enzymes that help the sperm to enter the ovum.
(2) Head — Incorrect. It holds the elongated haploid nucleus, which carries the genes of the father.
(3) Middle piece — Correct. Its mitochondria produce the energy for sperm movement.
(4) Tail — Incorrect. The tail is the part that moves. It uses energy, but the energy is produced in the middle piece.
NCERT Extract:
Gametogenesis – “… 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.”