Sperm is critical for the fertilisation of almost every living organism on our planet, including humans. IOL_Lifestyle
The “preformationists” believed that each spermatozoa contained a tiny, miniaturised human – the homunculus. They believed that the egg simply provided a place for the sperm to grow.
Leeuwenhoek’s lenses made him the first explorer of the microscopic world, able to see objects including bacteria, the inside of our cells – and sperm. When Leeuwenhoek first discovered sperm, he described it as a “living animalcule” with a “tail, which, when swimming, lashes with a snakelike movement, like eels in water”.
Their tail’s whip-like movement is capable of beating over than 20 swimming-strokes in less than one second. We needed a super-fast camera capable of recording over 55 000 pictures in one second mounted in a fast oscillating stage to move the sample up and down at an incredibly high rate – effectively scanning the sperm tail while swimming freely in 3D.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
WATCH | Fires rage across Buffalo CityHigh temperatures and strong winds served as catalysts as fires blazed out of control across Buffalo City on Monday.
Read more »
WATCH | Busiswa on meeting Beyoncé and life-changing 'Black is King' gigWhen Queen Busiswa met Queen Bey, it sounds like a written in the stars type of vibe.
Read more »
WATCH: Somizi runs naked on first instalment of 'Idols SA' season 16From falling wigs, English lessons and somizi running around the building in his undies, season 16 of IdolsSA has officially launched, bringing the much expected controversy and laughs. IOL_Lifestyle
Read more »
WATCH: SA gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz performs Olympic routineCompeting at the Olympics is the pinnacle for most athletes. For SA teenager CaitRooskrantz July 2, 2020 in the Japanese capital of Tokyo would have been no different. Watch TheOlympian perform her Tokyo2020 routine. By: Mike Jansen | IOLsport
Read more »