Final answer:
The sperm head contains the nucleus, with the sperm's genetic material, and the acrosome, which has enzymes critical for egg penetration during fertilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sperm head consists of two main structures: the nucleus and the acrosome. The nucleus holds the tightly coiled DNA, which represents half the genetic contribution to a potential zygote, as sperm are haploid cells. Surrounding the front part of the nucleus is the acrosome, which is filled with enzymes essential for sperm to penetrate an egg during the process of fertilization.
In more detail, the acrosome is an oval, flattened “cap” that sits over most of the head of the sperm cell. This structure contains lysosomal enzymes that are crucial for digesting the protective coverings around the egg, thereby allowing the sperm to penetrate and potentially fertilize it. The extremely compact haploid nucleus with minimal cytoplasm helps to keep the sperm's size small, enabling it to move efficiently. A fully mature sperm cell will have a tail (flagellum) to aid in motility, a neck containing mitochondria to produce energy, and a head with the genetic material and acrosome necessary for successful fertilization.