Time course of the motion of bull sperm flagella

Detailed measurements were made of the time course of the motion of bull spermatozoa. Fourier analysis of the data showed the time course to be basically sinusoidal within 2% to 3%. An asymmetry in the motion was present, resulting in a second harmonic component in the Fourier spectra of normal sperm of approximately 11% of the main component. When the energy metabolism of the sperm was inhibited or when the external viscosity of the medium was raised, the asymmetry was reduced. When the internal Mg2+ content of the sperm was lowered, the asymmetry was increased. The asymmetries and the corresponding second harmonic components in the Fourier spectra were correlated with the overall bend shape of the sperm and with the curvature of the path in which the sperm were swimming. Model calculations showed that the asymmetry could reside in either the internal active moments in the sperms or in the stiffness of the sperm flagella.