Sperm have flagella to propel themselves through an aqueous medium to reach and fertilize an egg.
The primary function of sperm is to deliver DNA to the egg, and the flagellum is crucial for achieving this. Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Propulsion: The flagellum acts like a tiny propeller, allowing the sperm to swim through the female reproductive tract. This is essential because the sperm needs to travel a relatively long distance to reach the egg.
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Efficient Design: According to the provided reference, sperm are "stripped-down" cells. They are designed for movement and DNA delivery, unencumbered by cytoplasmic organelles such as ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, or Golgi apparatus. The flagellum is a key part of this efficient design.
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Movement in Aqueous Medium: The flagellum is specifically adapted for movement through a fluid environment, such as the fluids in the female reproductive tract.
In summary, the presence of a flagellum on sperm is directly related to their function: enabling them to swim efficiently through a liquid medium to reach the egg for fertilization.
