Xinhua - British scientists have claimed that they have uncovered for the first time the complex workings of the male reproductive cell.
Scientists at the University of Bath, Britain, have identified in a new study hundreds of proteins that constitute the head and tail of the sperm, which is the smallest cell in a man's body -- so small that about 500 million of them can fit into a teaspoon, The Independent daily newspaper reported on Monday.
According to the report, the study was carried out on the sperm of fruit fly but the scientists believe that about half of the 381 proteins they have now identified also exist in the human sperm cell.
"This is the first catalogue of sperm proteins for any organism, and it offers a tantalizing glimpse into how we might begin to answer some of the most fundamental questions in biology," Dr. Tim Kerr, a biologist at the University of Bath, was quoted as saying.
The scientists plan to unlock the protein recipes of the sperm of different species, including human.
Until now, scientists have only known about a handful of proteins that are part of the assemblage of biological molecules, which make up a sperm cell.
Knowing the complete protein recipe -- the proteome -- extends their knowledge immensely, Kerr said, adding that being able to compare the structure and content of the proteome of sperm of different species should help scientists understand the evolution and origin of sperm.
The sperm proteome provides a basis for studying the critical functional components of sperm required for motility (swimming ability), fertilization and possibly early embryo development, and it should be a valuable tool in the study of infertility as more targeted studies can now be established in model organisms, said Steve Dorus, another scientist at the university who also took part in the study.
The scientists said they could start to look for the "core" sperm proteome, which is the most basic required constituent for sperm, and if they could work out what makes one sperm more successful than another, they might be able to apply this knowledge to clinical therapies for the treatment of sperm that are not functioning properly.
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The attack destroyed a military vehicle belonging to the mercenaries and killed all on board in Sabran area in khab and shaaf district.
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The operation was accomplished successfully against the Saudi
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Ten mercenaries were killed in Nehm district and eight others were killed in Serwah district, said the official.
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British scientists uncover complex workings of sperm
