What occurs during the capacitation of sperm?

Capacitation is a crucial physiological process that sperm undergo in order to gain the ability to fertilize an egg. During capacitation, several key changes occur in sperm that enhance their motility, which is vital for navigating through the female reproductive tract to reach the oocyte. The changes include the destabilization of the sperm membrane, which allows for the enhancement of motility and prepares the sperm for the acrosome reaction—a process needed to penetrate the egg's protective layers.

As sperm undergo capacitation, factors such as increased intracellular calcium levels and changes in the permeability of the sperm membrane occur, all of which contribute to improved movement and swimming vigor. This increase in motility is essential because it facilitates the sperm's ability to travel great distances within the female reproductive system, ultimately leading to a successful encounter with the ovum.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary purpose of capacitation. While the acrosome reaction is indeed a crucial step that follows capacitation, it is not part of the capacitation process itself. Capacitation does not decrease the chance of fertilization; instead, it increases the likelihood. Similarly, capacitation does not decrease sperm lifespan; on the contrary, it's a necessary maturation step that enables successful fertilization, and