Fertilization

& Implantation Dr.Niranjana.D.

At the end of this lecture, student must
be able to:
1. Describe the process of capacitation and its
importance
2. Explain the steps of fertilization
3. Describe the steps of implantation.
4. Explain the importance of in-vitro fertilization in
assisted reproductive techniques
 Mature Spermatozoa
• Though the spermatozoa is a mature form, it is
kept inhibited by epididymal fluid inthe male
genital tract.
• It is incapable of fertilizing the ovum

Male genital tract Ejaculated

 Capacitation
‘Changes occuring in the ejaculated spermatozoa
rendering them capable of fertilizing the ovum’
• Changes occurring during capacitation:

i. Removal of cholesterol from membrane surface 

Altered membrane fluidity

ii. Removal of proteins & carbohydrates that block

binding sites with egg
 Steps of capacitation
Washing off of cholesterol vesicles and protein
coating by fluids of female genital tract
Fertilization
 Fertilization
‘Fusion of male gamete (sperm)with a female
gamete (ovum) to result in a zygote’

Site of fertilization: Fallopian tube

Timing of fertilization:
Ovulation occurs on Day 14.
Ovum is viable for 24 hours only.
Steps of fertilization
How does only ONE
sperm fertilize???????

Sperm penetration

Release of cortical
granules
Hardening of zona
pellucida
Pronuclei fusion
Sperm cytoplasm &
nucleus enter the ovum

Condensation of both
egg & sperm nuclei 
“pronuclei”

Replication of male &

female DNA

Metaphase proceeds
 Implantation
• ‘Process by which early
embryo attaches to the
walls of uterus’

• Sites of implantation :
Endometrial cavity
• Implantation window:
Embryogenesis
 Blastocyst
Consists of:
1. Inner cell mass
2. Trophoblast
 Applications
1. In vitro fertilization

2. Ectopic pregnancy
Implantation of embryo at unsuitable sites like :
 Summary
1. Capacitated sperms are only capable of
fertilizing the ovum
2. Fertilization results in zygote
3. Zygote divides into an embryo
4. Early embryo grows inside the uterus after
process of implantation
 Assignment
What is a twin pregnancy?
Does it result from a single ovum two sperm
fusion or double gamete fusion?
For the Exams..
• Capacitation
• Fertilization
• Implantation