Question

Draw a diagram of a mature human sperm. Label any three parts and write their functions.

Answer 1

Human sperm is the male reproductive cell or gamete. Human sperm is required for the process of sexual reproduction in order to form offspring. Humans have motile sperms which can swim. Sperms are also called the spermatozoa. Sperm is a haploid cell which is represented by ‘n’.

Complete answer:
The sperm is divided into the three parts. That are –

Head
Middle piece
Tail

Head – A human sperms has a distinct oval head. The head of the sperm has a smooth surface and resembles the shape of an egg. Head consists of an acrosome which contains the enzymes which help in the degradation of the cell membrane of the ovum at the time of fusion. Head also contains a nucleus which consists of the genetic information with 23 chromosomes.

Middle piece: The middle piece is the central part of the sperm. This part is present between the head and tail of the sperm. The middle piece of the sperm consists of tightly packed mitochondria which provide energy required for the movement of the sperm cell.

Tail :The tail of the sperm is elongated and thin. The tail makes about 80% of the total entire length of the sperm cell. The tail of the human sperm helps in the movement of the sperm. Human sperms have a flagella tail.

Note: Sperm cells are produced in the testes by the process called a spermatogenesis. The process of spermatogenesis takes place in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The sperm cells cannot divide and have a limited lifespan. In humans, sperm cells are stored in the epididymis and are released from the penis during ejaculation in a fluid called as semen.