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Question #47414
The Question
During fertilization, the initial contact of a sperm with the ovum triggers a rapid ionic flux across the oolemma, altering its resting membrane potential to prevent polyspermy. If an ovum is experimentally placed in a medium completely lacking ions prior to fertilization, which of the following physiological consequences and subsequent genetic anomalies will most likely occur?
Options
- A.
The fast block to polyspermy will fail, resulting in a polyploid zygote.
- B.
The slow block to polyspermy will fail, resulting in an aneuploid zygote.
- C.
The intracellular release of calcium ions will be inhibited, preventing the cortical reaction.
- D.
The resting membrane potential will hyperpolarize, preventing the completion of Meiosis II.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Oocyte|Na+ influx|Fertilization envelope
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating excitable membrane physiology (depolarization via influx) with reproductive biology (fast block to polyspermy).
Common Misconception: Students often confuse the ionic basis of the fast block () with the slow block () and frequently conflate the genetic terms 'polyploidy' (addition of full chromosomal sets) with 'aneuploidy' (addition/deletion of individual chromosomes).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Neural Control and Coordination - Class 11 |
| Concept | Resting Membrane Potential Ionic Flux |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |