acrosómica

Acrosómica is the adjectival form used to refer to the acrosome, a cap-like organelle located at the anterior part of the sperm head in many animal species. The acrosome contains proteolytic and hydrolytic enzymes that facilitate the sperm’s passage through the zona pellucida of the oocyte during fertilization.

The acrosome develops during spermiogenesis from the Golgi apparatus. It arises as an acrosomal vesicle that becomes reorganized into a cap over the nucleus, with its membrane closely associated to the sperm plasma membrane. The contents of the acrosome include enzymes such as acrosin, hyaluronidase, and neuraminidase, which are released during the acrosomal reaction.

During fertilization, the acrosomal reaction is triggered when the sperm binds to components of the zona pellucida. This stimulus causes fusion of the acrosomal and plasma membranes and the controlled release of acrosomal enzymes. The enzymatic digestion of the zona pellucida creates a passage for the sperm to reach the oocyte’s plasma membrane, enabling membrane fusion and fertilization. In some species, structural features of the acrosome can also participate in sperm-egg recognition and binding.

Variations in acrosomal structure and content exist across taxa, reflecting differences in fertilization mechanisms. Abnormalities in acrosome formation or function can contribute to male infertility, while acrosome-associated proteins are sometimes used as markers in reproductive biology studies. The term acrosómica thus describes anything related to the acrosome and its role in fertilization.