Fertilisation. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a sperm (blue) attempting to penetrate a human egg (yellow). The sperm (spermatozoan) has a rounded head and a long tail with which it swims. Women usually release one egg (ovum) per month, whereas men release millions of sperm in each ejaculation. Only one of these sperm can penetrate the egg's thick outer layer (zona pellucida) and fertilise it. Fertilisation occurs when the sperm's genetic material (deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA) fuses with the egg's DNA. When this occurs the egg forms a barrier to other sperm. Magnification: x700 when printed 10 cm wide. | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / EYE OF SCIENCE |
Taille de l’image : | 3299 px × 4000 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : |
|