INSIDEEMBRYO · FERTILITY GLOSSARY
The oolemma is the plasma membrane surrounding the oocyte cytoplasm and represents the membrane with which a fertilising spermatozoon ultimately interacts. Its surface contains specialised membrane proteins and microvillar regions involved in sperm recognition, adhesion and fusion. Molecular interactions involving…
The oolemma is the plasma membrane surrounding the oocyte cytoplasm and represents the membrane with which a fertilising spermatozoon ultimately interacts. Its surface contains specialised membrane proteins and microvillar regions involved in sperm recognition, adhesion and fusion. Molecular interactions involving proteins such as oocyte JUNO and CD9 together with sperm-associated IZUMO1 contribute to the membrane-fusion process. Fusion of the sperm membrane with the oolemma permits transfer of the sperm nucleus and sperm-derived activating factors into the ooplasm. Following fertilisation, biochemical and structural modifications of the oolemma contribute to mechanisms limiting fusion with additional spermatozoa.
For education, not individual medical advice. Ask your fertility team about your care.