Biological termHard0.5 marks
6(b)
Give appropriate biological / technical terms for the following:
The accessory gland in human males whose secretion activates the sperms.
Topic: Seminal vesicles
Previous-year question practice database
Answer
Exam answer
The SEMINAL VESICLES.
Explanation
The seminal vesicles secrete a viscous ALKALINE fluid forming much of the semen. It provides the MEDIUM in which sperms swim, NEUTRALISES the acidity of the urethra and vagina so the sperms are not killed, and contains FRUCTOSE which supplies them with energy.
THE FRUCTOSE IS THE POINT OF "ACTIVATES", and it follows from something you already know: a sperm has almost NO cytoplasm and therefore carries no food of its own. The sugar must be supplied in the fluid around it.
The three male accessory glands, all contributing alkaline secretions: SEMINAL VESICLES, PROSTATE and COWPER’S (bulbourethral) GLANDS.
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