Zona pellucida

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-012813",
  "term": "Zona pellucida",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A specialized extracellular matrix composed of glycoproteins that surrounds the plasma membrane of a mammalian oocyte. It mediates species-specific sperm binding, induces the acrosome reaction, and provides a barrier to polyspermy after fertilization. Following fertilization, cortical granule release triggers the zona reaction, a modification of its structure that hardens it and prevents additional sperm from penetrating.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "ovum"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2016, 88, 713. 'Glossary of terms used in developmental and reproductive toxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2016)' on page 822 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2015-1202)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/zona-pellucida/"
}