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Fertilizing Ability of Structurally Abnormal Spermatozoa

Abstract

No detailed description of abnormal forms of fertilization1–3 has mentioned the occurrence of ova activated or fertilized by abnormal spermatozoa. The rarity of such a phenomenon is probably best accounted for by the fact that predominance of abnormal sperm forms is usually associated with infertility4–6. Furthermore, it is widely assumed that the mechanisms which reduce the numbers of sperm passing into and through the oviduct would allow only the more vigorous spermatozoa to reach the site of fertilization3. We have now observed mouse ova fertilized by structurally defective spermatozoa.

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SMITH, D., ŌURA, C. & ZAMBONI, L. Fertilizing Ability of Structurally Abnormal Spermatozoa. Nature 227, 79–80 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1038/227079a0

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