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acrosome

[ ak-ruh-sohm ]

noun

, Cell Biology.
  1. an organelle covering the head of animal sperm and containing enzymes that digest the egg cell coating, thus permitting the sperm to enter the egg.


acrosome

/ ˈækrəˌsəʊm /

noun

  1. a cap-like structure on the tip of a spermatozoon that releases enzymes on encountering the ovum allowing fusion with the ovum in the sexual reproductive process; this part of the process is known as the acrosome reaction
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Other Words From

  • acro·somal adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of acrosome1

1895–1900; < German Akrosoma; acro-, -some 3
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Word History and Origins

Origin of acrosome1

C19: from acro- + -some ³
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Example Sentences

Spermatids containing both the chromatin nucleolus (n) and the odd chromosome (x), a the acrosome.

Spermatid, showing acrosome material (a) migrating to side of nucleus opposite centrosome.

The acrosome seems to develop directly out of the cytoplasm.

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