Sperm Pairing in the Gray Short-tailed Opossum, Monodelphis domestica

Megan Michel, Oberlin College

Location

Science Center, A154

Document Type

Presentation

Start Date

4-24-2015 4:00 PM

End Date

4-24-2015 5:30 PM

Abstract

In this study, I investigate the mechanism of sperm pairing in the gray short-tailed opossum, Monodelphis domestica. During maturation in the epididymis, M. domestica spermatozoa pair up, adhering at their acrosomal faces. Paired spermatozoa traverse the female reproductive tract, unpairing just before fertilization. I hypothesize that extramembranous sugar residues mediate pairing, and that sperm unpair in crypts in the oviductal isthmus. I examine reproductive tissues histologically to identify when and where sperm unpair. My results suggest that unpairing occurs in the oviductal crypts, and that N-acetyl-galactosamine residues may play a role in sperm adhesion.

Notes

Session 3, Panel 15 - Biology Honors
Moderator: Marta Laskowski, Professor of Biology

Major

Biology

Advisor(s)

Mary Garvin, Biology

Project Mentor(s)

Yolanda Cruz, Biology

April 2015

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Apr 24th, 4:00 PM Apr 24th, 5:30 PM

Sperm Pairing in the Gray Short-tailed Opossum, Monodelphis domestica

Science Center, A154

In this study, I investigate the mechanism of sperm pairing in the gray short-tailed opossum, Monodelphis domestica. During maturation in the epididymis, M. domestica spermatozoa pair up, adhering at their acrosomal faces. Paired spermatozoa traverse the female reproductive tract, unpairing just before fertilization. I hypothesize that extramembranous sugar residues mediate pairing, and that sperm unpair in crypts in the oviductal isthmus. I examine reproductive tissues histologically to identify when and where sperm unpair. My results suggest that unpairing occurs in the oviductal crypts, and that N-acetyl-galactosamine residues may play a role in sperm adhesion.