As a sperm cell finally approaches its final target, its acrosome becomes activated.  The acrosome is a specialized organelle found in the cell’s head region and activation results in the exocytosis of several types of proteolytic enzymes. Name 2 specific proteins you might expect the enzymes released by the acrosome to breakdown. What purpose does this play in the fertilization of the egg? Explain your reasoning.

Tobacco smokers (and those exposed to tobacco smoke) are at greater risk of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. Based on your understanding of the structures of the cytoskeleton, what is the best explanation?     Tobacco interferes with the transfer of oxygen to the uterus, thereby forcing the zygote to implant in a fallopian tube.     Tobacco smokers tend to get pregnant when they are younger.     Tobacco interferes with the functioning of the flagella propelling sperm.     Tobacco interferes with the sweeping motion of cilia that aids in the movement of the egg toward the uterus.

Write the letter for the correct answer in the blank. ____ 1. A cell makes and secretes a protein-based hormone. This particular cell would have a great amount of RER and: (a) SER (b) Golgi complex (c) mitochondria (d) lysosomes

Women with urinary tract infections caused by E. coli are generally treated with a course of antibiotics. A common complication of the antibiotic treatment is the occurrence of a vaginal yeast infection caused by Candida albicans, an organism that is normally present in very low numbers in the human vaginal tract. This complication occurs because: The E. coli infection damages the reproductive epithelium, causing a breach in the tight junctions and allowing invasion by the Candida albicans. The E. coli infection induces adhesion molecule expression on the reproductive epithelium, allowing attachment of the yeast. The antibiotic treatment kills all strains of fungi present in the reproductive tract, except the Candida albicans. The E. coli infection causes gastrointestinal distress leading to diarrhea. The antibiotics kill many of the commensal organisms in the reproductive tract, allowing overgrowth of the fungus.