Increase in Sperm Type Hexokinase Activity of Rat Spermatozoa During Maturation

Rat hexokinases from caput sperm (immature) and caudal sperm (mature) were investigated. The hexokinases from both sources were studied by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography and by cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The specific activity of caput sperm hexokinase was not significantly different from that of the caudal sperm enzyme. Spermatozoa possess two isozymes of hexokinase. Type I hexokinase was the predominant type in caput sperm whereas the sperm type hexokinase was predominant in caudal sperm. Hexokinase types II and III were absent in both extracts.