Reproduction: sperm capacitation: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Physiology · Reproduction: sperm capacitation

Sample item

Ejaculated sperm cannot fertilise an oocyte until they have spent several hours in the female genital tract. What does this final maturation step involve?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Loss of membrane cholesterol and seminal proteins

Capacitation occurs in the female tract and involves loss of cholesterol and seminal plasma proteins from the sperm membrane, along with calcium influx and hypermotility. Capacitated sperm can then undergo the acrosome reaction at the zona pellucida.

Option by option

  • A. Formation of the acrosome from the Golgi apparatus

    The acrosome is formed from the Golgi apparatus during spermiogenesis in the testis.

  • B. Completion of meiotic division in the spermatid

    Meiosis is completed in the testis before sperm are released.

  • C. Loss of membrane cholesterol and seminal proteins (correct)

    Correct. Membrane changes in the female tract make sperm able to undergo the acrosome reaction.

  • D. Storage of sperm in the epididymal tail for days

    Epididymal storage precedes ejaculation and does not require the female tract.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Physiology questions

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, Loss of membrane cholesterol and seminal proteins. Capacitation occurs in the female tract and involves loss of cholesterol and seminal plasma proteins from the sperm membrane, along with calcium influx and hypermotility.

Why is "Formation of the acrosome from the Golgi apparatus" not the answer?

The acrosome is formed from the Golgi apparatus during spermiogenesis in the testis.

Why is "Completion of meiotic division in the spermatid" not the answer?

Meiosis is completed in the testis before sperm are released.

Why is "Storage of sperm in the epididymal tail for days" not the answer?

Epididymal storage precedes ejaculation and does not require the female tract.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Reproduction: sperm capacitation in Physiology. Capacitated sperm can then undergo the acrosome reaction at the zona pellucida.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Reproduction: sperm capacitation?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.