TIME | EVENT | COMMENTS | DRAWING |
-30s | Acrosome | The sperm acrosome reacts with the egg jelly causing the acrosome reaction. | ![]() |
0 | Binding | The acrosome reacted sperm binds with the egg. This causes an electrical change in the egg helping prevent other sperm from binding. | ![]() |
30s | Fusion | The successful sperm's membrane fuses with the egg's plasma membrane | ![]() |
1-2m | Cortical Rx | The cortical granules release causing the fertilization membrane to rise, also helping to prevent further sperm entry. | ![]() |
5m | Fertilization Cone | A cone of actin forms around the sperm nucleus, pulling it into the egg. | ![]() |
10-15m | Nuclei Fuse | The sperm and egg haploid nuclei fuse to become a diploid sea urchin nucleus | ![]() |
20-30m | Centering | The beginnings of the mitotic spindle force the nucleus into the center of the embryo | ![]() |
50-60m | Streak | The centrosome replicates causing a spread of microtubules resembling a clear streak. | ![]() |
80-90m | Metaphase | The chromosomes line up in the center of the embryo ready for cell division. | ![]() |
90-120m | First Division | Cytokinesis, cell division occurs. The embryo becomes 2 cells. | ![]() |