A structure directly adjacent to the outer surface of the plasma membrane of an ovum. It is composed mostly of protein fibers, with protein receptors needed for sperm binding, binding to sperm plasma membrane receptors. The species-specificity between these receptors contributes to prevention of breeding between different species [Wikipedia]. A protective layer around the egg[FBbt]. [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitelline_membrane ]
Term information
- GAID:1318
- VHOG:0000720
- MESH:D014817
- Wikipedia:Vitelline_membrane
- AAO:0010332
- BTO:0001450
- XAO:0000030
- FBbt:00000042
dubious_grouping
TODO - consider GO CC request. GO:0030704-vitelline membrane formation considered a subclass of CC organization
Thin membrane enclosing and immediately adjacent to the ovum. Produced in the ovary.[AAO]
Outside the plasma membrane, three envelopes surround the ovum. The first, the primary egg envelope, lies between the plasma membrane and the surrounding cells of the ovary. The most consistent component of this primary layer is the vitelline membrane, a transparent jacket of fibrous protein. In mammals, the homologous structure is called the zona pellucida.[well established][VHOG]