Practice question

Capacitation is obligatory final maturation sperms must undergo within female tract before fertilization capability. After ejaculation sperm reside in uterus and oviduct where albumin extracts membrane cholesterol, bicarbonate activates soluble adenylyl cyclase increasing cAMP, protein kinase A phosphorylates tyrosine residues. Ion permeability increases, intracellular pH rises, CatSper channels primed for hyperactivation. Removal of decapacitation factors from epididymal fluid exposes receptors for zona. Only capacitated sperm can undergo acrosome reaction upon encountering ZP. Thus tract provides conditions conferring fertile competence, membrane destabilization, signaling activation essential for conception and gamete fusion success.