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Fertilization

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During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Mechanical Separation and Protein Solubilization of the Outer and Inner Perivitelline Sublayers from Hen's Eggs

Mechanical Separation and Protein Solubilization of the Outer and Inner Perivitelline Sublayers from Hen's Eggs

Published on: January 27, 2021

Cell surface changes in the egg at fertilization.

Gary M Wessel¹, Julian L Wong

¹Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA. rhet@brown.edu

Molecular Reproduction and Development

|August 7, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Fertilization triggers rapid, visible changes to the egg's cell surface, including the extracellular matrix and plasma membrane. These crucial modifications prepare the egg for development.

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Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Cell Biology
Developmental Biology

Background:

Fertilization initiates profound transformations in an egg.
These changes encompass developmental potential, physiology, gene expression, and cell surface characteristics.
The egg's cell surface undergoes significant alterations post-fertilization.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the dynamic changes occurring at the egg's cell surface upon fertilization.
To highlight modifications to the extracellular matrix, plasma membrane, and secretory vesicles.
To focus on changes observed in echinoderms, honoring Ernest Everett Just's research.

Main Methods:

Literature review of fertilization-induced cell surface changes.
Analysis of morphological and physiological alterations in eggs.
Focus on research concerning echinoderm fertilization.

Main Results:

Fertilization triggers rapid and dramatic changes in the egg's cell surface.
Modifications involve the extracellular matrix, plasma membrane, and contents of secretory vesicles.
These events are observable under a light microscope within minutes in some species.

Conclusions:

The egg's cell surface undergoes extensive remodeling immediately after fertilization.
These changes are critical for initiating embryonic development.
Ernest Everett Just's early observations laid the groundwork for understanding these fundamental processes.