A tiny molecular switch flips to give sperm a high-speed sugary energy boost
Human sperm cells possess a specialized molecular switch that triggers a sudden surge of metabolic energy, allowing them to swim faster and penetrate an egg during the final stages of fertilization.
A protein called SLC22A3 acts as a high-speed gateway that floods sperm with sugar just when they need it most. This molecular switch remains closed during the long journey through the reproductive tract to conserve energy. Once the sperm nears the egg, the switch flips open to pull in glucose for a final burst of speed.
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