Question

What would not occur if PLC-zeta levels did not rise inside ova after fertilization. Explain why.

Answer 1

PLC zeta is responsible for the activation of egg. Phospholipase C isoform zeta is the full form of PLC zeta. It's present in the cytoplasm of sperm. Soon after the sperm entry into the oocyte it activates the cascade reaction and leads to the oocyte. By this cortical reaction occurs and the entry of other sperm to the ova is blocked. Thus polyspermy is prevented. By this the activation of meosis II takes place. We know that meosis two only starts after the entry of sperm to the oocyte. So this is due to the action of PLC zeta. Only if calcium release occurs in the oocyte the egg is released along with a polar body and thus fertilization happens and the DNA synthesis too occurs by that. So if PLC zeta is not in a good level this cascade reaction won't happen and egg relase is blocked so as polyspermy.