The Morphology and Physiology of the Acrosome Reaction in the Sperm of the Decapod, Sicyonia ingentis.

Abstract

Sperm of the shrimp, Sicyonia ingentis , undergo a biphasic acrosome reaction consisting of acrosomal exocytosis and acrosomal filament formation. These events are temporally separated by 10–20 min, in vivo. Using egg water preparations the complete reaction can be induced, in vitro, albeit the temporal separation of the two phases is lengthened. External Ca ++ is required for the exocytotic phase, while a cytoplasmic acidification and K + efflux are associated with polymerization of the acrosomal filament.