Bindin
Bindin is a sperm protein involved in fertilization in sea urchins and related echinoderms. It is stored in the acrosomal vesicle of sperm and becomes exposed to the exterior during the acrosome reaction, enabling the sperm to attach to and fuse with the egg.
Function and mechanism: Bindin mediates adhesion to the egg by interacting with receptors on the egg surface
Genetic and evolutionary significance: The bindin gene and its protein product show rapid evolution and high
Discovery and study: Bindin was identified through work on sea urchin fertilization in the late 20th century,
Broader context: While bindin is best characterized in sea urchins, related proteins and analogous gamete-recognition systems