The spermatozoon is a highly differentiated and polarized cell, with two main structures: the head, containing a haploid nucleus and the acrosomal exocytotic granule, and the flagellum, which generates energy and propels the cell; both structures are connected by the neck. The sperm's main aim is to participate in fertilization, thus activating development. Despite this common bauplan and function there is an enormous diversity in structure and performance of sperm cells. For example, mammalian spermatozoa may exhibit several head patterns and overall sperm lengths ranging from ~30 to 350 µm. Mechanisms of transport in the female tract, preparation for fertilization, and recognition and interaction with the oocyte also show considerable variation. There has been much interest in understanding the origin of this diversity, both in evolutionary terms and in relation to mechanisms underlying sperm differentiation in the testis. Here, relationships between sperm bauplan and function are examined at two levels. First, analyzing the selective forces that drive changes in sperm structure and physiology to understand the adaptive values of this variation and impact on male reproductive success. Second, examining cellular and molecular mechanisms of sperm formation in the testis that may explain how differentiation can give rise to such a wide array of sperm forms and functions.

中文翻译：

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精子 Bauplan 和精子形成和选择的功能和潜在过程

精子是高度分化和极化的细胞，具有两个主要结构：头部，包含单倍体核和顶体胞吐颗粒；以及鞭毛，产生能量并推动细胞；两个结构均通过颈部连接。精子的主要目的是参与受精，从而激活发育。尽管有这种共同的结构和功能，但精子细胞的结构和性能却存在巨大的多样性。例如，哺乳动物精子可能表现出多种头部图案，精子总长度范围为约 30 至 350 µm。女性肠道内的运输机制、受精准备以及与卵母细胞的识别和相互作用也显示出相当大的差异。人们对了解这种多样性的起源很感兴趣，无论是从进化角度还是与睾丸中精子分化的机制有关。在这里，从两个层面检查精子鲍普兰和功能之间的关系。首先，分析驱动精子结构和生理学变化的选择力，以了解这种变化的适应性价值以及对男性生殖成功的影响。其次，检查睾丸中精子形成的细胞和分子机制，这可以解释分化如何产生如此广泛的精子形式和功能。