The Sperm Meets the Egg

After undergoing many processes on the way to maturation, the egg is released from the fallopian tubes. At this time, it carries with it many cells surrounding it. Before the egg can be fertilised, the sperm which reach the fallopian tubes must pass through these cells, which are called "granulosa" cells, and then penetrate the thick mantle around the egg.

How will the sperm pass through these obstacles?

The Egg's Journey in the Fallopian Tube Just before the maturated egg is released from the ovary, the fallopian tube goes into action to intercept the egg. With delicate touches on the surface of the ovary, it tries to find the egg cell. (1-2) In order for the maturated egg to be fertilised, it must enter the fallopian tube. Finally, the fallopian tube finds the maturated egg and draws it inside. Now, the egg cell starts its journey. (3) In order for the egg to be fertilised and reach the mother's uterus, it must travel a long road in the fallopian tube. It is the function of the millions cells in the fallopian tube to guide the egg to the uterus. The tiny hairs on the surface of these cells (cilia) move in only one direction. In this way, as if they were actually conveying a precious object from hand to hand, they urge the egg cell to the place where it has to go. Finally, the egg meets the sperm which are seeking it. (4) Only one sperm succeeds in entering the egg. (5) The fertilised egg is directed toward the mother's uterus with the help of the tiny hairs in the fallopian tube (6). Every cell performs its duty flawlessly, because God's creation is perfect.

Here we see once again the evident perfection of intelligent design in the sperm. In that section of the sperm called the "acrosome", about which we spoke earlier, the hyaluronidase and proteolytic enzymes are stored. The hyaluronidase enzyme in the acrosome breaks down a substance (hyaluronic acid) binding the multiple layers of granulosa cells attached to the outside of the ovum. In this way, it opens a way for the sperm to traverse the egg envelope. The proteolytic enzymes ensure the dissolution of the proteins in the tissues attached to the egg. With the help of these two enzymes, the sperm reaches the egg.15

An egg cell surrounded by sperm

How is it that these enzymes which belong to the sperm, produced in the male body far away from the egg, are composed of matter that is perfectly able to affect the structure of the egg? Who discovered the formula for this operation? Who placed these enzymes exactly in the right place to enable the fertilisation of the egg; that is, in the head of the microscopic sperm?

It is not the sperm itself which does these things. It is not possible for the sperm to be aware of the existence of hyaluronic acid or the effect this acid has on cells, or to know that the hyaluronidase enzyme will neutralize the effect of this acid. Moreover, it is not sufficient to know the formula of this acid; its production in the human body must also be ensured. And it is impossible for the sperm by itself to form the system in the human body which will produce this enzyme. For example, if you ask anyone who has not had training in medicine or chemistry the name of the enzyme that destroys the structure of hyaluronic acid, or if you asked him to write the formula of the structure of this acid, he would certainly not be able to give you an answer. But a sperm cell does things that a conscious human would not be able to do; with a seeming awareness of chemical formulas which it could not, however, know, it contains substances within its own body to ensure reaching its goal. Certainly, to say that the sperm does this is completely contrary to intelligence and reason. Leaving aside unintelligent and unreasonable suppositions, it will be seen that the presence in sperm of enzymes that will affect the structure of the egg is in itself a proof of creation. This flawless harmony cannot be explained in any way by reference to chance. The fact that the sperm is aware of the chemical structure of another cell different from itself and living in a completely different environment; that it analyses the effects that these chemicals will have; that it then produces the required chemicals according to the results of the analysis, can be explained only with reference to a Creator with superior intelligence, Who has created the sperm with these particular qualities.

The perfect design in the structure of sperm is one of the plainest proofs of the fact that God created human beings, together with everything else.

15. Britannica 2002 Expanded Edition, "Fertilization"