Question

Human semen is liquid at ejaculation but soon coagulates (within 15 mins) and again undergo secondary liquefaction by the enzyme released by the prostate. Enzyme is
A. Erepsin
B. Cathepsin
C. Lysin
D. Acid phosphatase

Answer 1

Semen is a mixture of sperms and seminal fluid which is the liquid portion of semen that consists of secretion of seminiferous tubules, seminal vesicle and prostate gland. Semen has a slightly alkaline pH of 7.2 to 7.7.

Complete Answer:
Let us analyse the options and find the correct answer.

Option A: Erepsin is a mixture of enzymes contained in a protein fraction found in the intestinal juices that digest proteins into amino acids. Therefore, this is an incorrect answer.

Option B: Cathepsins are a group of lysosomal proteases that have a key role in cellular protein turnover. It plays a role in cancer. Therefore, this is an incorrect answer.

Option C: Hydrolytic enzymes produced by bacteriophages in order to cleave the host's cell wall during lytic cycle. Therefore, this is an incorrect answer.

Option D: After ejaculation, liquid semen coagulates within 15 minutes and a few minutes later semen reliquifies because acid phosphatase.Seminal plasma is one of the richest sources of acid phosphatase. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

Thus, the correct option is D) Acid phosphatase.

Note: The prostate gland is a chestnut shaped gland and is a collection of 30 to 40 tubuloalveolar glands which lie at the base of the bladder and surrounds the first part of the urethra. The alkaline secretion of the prostate gland helps the sperm to become active and counteract any adverse effect that the urine may have on the sperm. Prostate gland secretes citrus iron, calcium, phosphate ions.