BPoD has moved!

BPoD has recently changed our domain name - we can now be found at bpod.org.uk

Please update your bookmarks!

Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

Sperm's Swimming System

Protein modification called glycylation is vital for coordinated sperm swimming

30 January 2021

Sperm's Swimming System

Sperms are simple structures. They consist of a head, containing the genetic payload, and a tail that beats furiously to power the cell to its destination – the egg. The tail is packed with scaffold structures called microtubules that move together in a precisely coordinated fashion to ensure the sperm swims in a straight line (top). And recent research is uncovering the molecular requirements for this precision. Scientists have found that tubulin – the primary component of microtubules – undergoes a molecular modification called glycylation that’s essential for associated motor proteins to power the coordinated movements. Interrupting the glycylation process in mice caused the animals’ sperms to swim haphazardly – such as at tangents (bottom), or round in circles (middle) – and reduced fertility as a result. Since human sperms are similar to those of mice, the findings could proffer insights into male infertility caused by wayward swimmers, as well as ways to fix it.

Written by Ruth Williams

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.