Capacitation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-001600",
  "term": "Capacitation",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The physiological process that sperm undergo in the female genital tract, rendering them capable of fertilizing an egg. This involves a series of biochemical and biophysical changes, including alterations in membrane fluidity and protein phosphorylation, which enable the acrosome reaction and hyperactivated motility. Capacitation is a prerequisite for successful fertilization.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "egg",
    "fertilization",
    "genital tract",
    "spermatozoon"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2016, 88, 713. 'Glossary of terms used in developmental and reproductive toxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2016)' on page 732 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2015-1202)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/capacitation/"
}