FERTILIZATION FERTILISATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE FERTILISED OVUM  Fertilization takes place when the sperm meets the ovum in the fallopian tube.  After ovulation, the ovum passes into the fallopian tube and is moved along by the cilia and the pe

FERTILIZATION FERTILISATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE FERTILISED OVUM  Fertilization takes place when the sperm meets the ovum in the fallopian tube.  After ovulation, the ovum passes into the fallopian tube and is moved along by the cilia and the peristaltic muscular contraction of the tube.  At this time the cervix produces alkaline mucus that attracts the spermatozoa.  When intercourse takes place many spermatozoa (about 300 million) are deposited in the upper vagina.  Those that reach the light cervical mucus survive and propel themselves towards the fallopian tubes while the rest are destroyed by the acid medium of the vagina.  Many sperm will reach the fallopian tube where they meet the ovum.  During this journey the sperm mature and are capable of producing an enzyme known as hyaluronidase, which will help penetration into the ovum.  Only one sperm will enter the ovum. After the sperm goes into the ovum, the membrane is sealed to prevent other sperm from entering.  REM.  Each nucleus of the human body cell contains 46 chromosomes. These chromosomes are responsible for the transmission of all inheritable qualities.  The ovum and the spermatozoon each contain only 23 chromosomes, hence when fertilisation occurs, the total 46 chromosomes are established.  Thus, some inherited qualities are from the father and some from the mother. • An ovum always contains one X chromoso