Capacitation refers to changes in the

Options

A. ovum before fertilization
B. ovum after fertilization
C. sperm after fertilization
D. sperm before fertilization

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Capacitation**: Capacitation is a crucial process in the maturation of spermatozoa. It is defined as the physiological changes that sperm undergo to gain the ability to fertilize an egg.

2. **Identifying the Context**: Capacitation specifically refers to changes that occur in sperm cells, not in the ovum (egg). This process is essential for sperm to successfully penetrate and fertilize the egg.

3. **Timing of Capacitation**: It is important to note that capacitation occurs before fertilization. This means that the sperm must undergo these changes prior to encountering the egg.

4. **Evaluating the Options**:
- Option A: Ovum before fertilization - Incorrect, as capacitation does not refer to changes in the ovum.
- Option B: Ovum after fertilization - Incorrect, as capacitation occurs before fertilization and does not pertain to the ovum.
- Option C: Sperm after fertilization - Incorrect, capacitation is not related to post-fertilization changes.
- Option D: Sperm before fertilization - Correct, as capacitation refers to changes in sperm that occur before they fertilize the egg.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the understanding of capacitation, the correct answer is option D, which states that capacitation refers to changes in sperm before fertilization.

**Final Answer**: Capacitation refers to changes in the sperm before fertilization (Option D).

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