Response to Sperm Penetration of the Cortex of Eggs of the Fish, Plecoglossus altivelis. (sperm penetration/fertilization cone/ultrastructure/fish egg)

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Abstract
Response of the egg to sperm penetration was examined in eggs of the fish, P. altivelis, by scanning electron microscopy. Eggs responded to sperm penetration by forming a fertilization cone at a sperm entry site, which is a specialized structure in the egg surface under the micropyle. Within 1 min the fertilization cone showed dramatic morphological changes from its earliest appearance, through full 2-storied growth to its marked recession. The sperm entry site in the egg surface is discussed as a morphologically specialized organ responsible for the entrance of a fertilizing spermatozoon. Morphological characteristics of the egg and sperm are also described.