Sperm capacitation

Abstract

Sperm capacitation describes a series of biochemical and biophysical changes that collectively render the cell competent to fertilize an ovum. This phase of posttesticular maturation is initiated soon after ejaculation in response to physiological cues arising from within the female reproductive tract and encompasses major remodeling of the plasma membrane, activation of complex signaling cascades, expression of hyperactivated motility and the ability to complete an acrosome reaction. This article discusses the biological significance of capacitation in terms of enhancing synchrony between sperm activation and ovulation and our current mechanistic understanding of how this is achieved.