d. Each spermatocyte undergoes meiosis and produces four spermatids. All of
the male's body cells contain the same 23 pairs of chromosomes. The spermatid
contains one chromosome of each of the 23 pairs. The same chromosome
configuration occurs in the ovum. When the sperm and egg unite, the normal number of
chromosomes is reestablished--46 chromosomes or 23 pairs.
e. The mature sperm contains three regions: the head, which contains
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the midpiece, and the tail (see figure 1-11).
Figure 1-11. Structure of the sperm.
f. The acrosome is anterior to the head of the mature sperm. It contains special
enzymes, which help the sperm to penetrate the egg.
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