Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa
Published on: December 30, 2014
Developmental changes in signalling transduction factors in maturing sperm during epididymal transit
1Institute of Reproductive Medicine of the University, D-48129 Münster, Germany.
Abstract:
Testicular spermatozoa are incapable of fertilising eggs in vivo and the epididymal epithelium is responsible for creating a luminal environment conducive to the acquisition of fertilising capacity by the spermatozoa within it. It does this by modifying sperm membranes so that they can interact with stimuli from the female tract, and by supplying or removing low molecular weight compounds that modify sperm cytoplasmic composition. Both these extracellular and intracellular events associated with signal transduction and second messenger systems in maturing spermatozoa are reviewed here.
Related Concept Videos
Spermatogenesis
The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
Diversity in Cell Signaling Responses
Graded and Abrupt Responses
Some signaling systems generate...
Spermatogenesis
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
Sperm Transport
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...

