What is DNA fragmentation?
The sperm cell is quite different from the other cells in our body. It is smaller; it has a tail; and it is capable of movement. The small size is at the expense of the cell mass (cytoplasm) which actually constitutes a fair part of the other cells in our body. The cell mass produces e.g. the enzymes that will repair the genetic material (the DNA), should this be destroyed by so-called DNA fragmentation.
The fact that the sperm cell does not have this ability means that it cannot repair any damage to itself. In normal circumstances, where the sperm cell’s genetic material is properly packaged, this will actually not be necessary. Normally, the genetic material in the sperm cell, which consists of long DNA strands, will namely be wound up like a tight ball of yarn. This tight packaging is an insurance against breakage of the DNA strands. When the genetic material is not satisfactorily packaged, the long DNA strands will be susceptible to breakage. This is called DNA fragmentation.
New research shows unsatisfactory packaging of the genetic material in the sperm cell to be present in app. 50% of childless couples. Poor packaging of the genetic material, or fragmentation of the DNA, will not be revealed under a microscope. For here the sperm cell will be moving around and otherwise look perfectly normal. In fact, the fastest sperm cell will also be the one generating the most energy – thus increasing the risk of DNA fragmentation. That is, if the genetic material is poorly packaged. In other words, the problem is that the sperm cell first to reach the egg will not necessarily be the best one. The sperm cell may well fertilise the egg. However, if the DNA is fragmented, the egg will not be capable of developing normally – ultimately into a viable foetus. Explanation