Synthetic organic pH buffers can support fertilization of guinea pig eggs,but not as efficiently as bicarbonate buffer

Bicarbonate ions (HCO₃^?) in the medium are not absolutely essential for the fertilization of guinea pig eggs. However, fertilization takes place most efficiently in HCO₃^?-buffered medium. Capacitation, the acrosome reaction, and zona penetration by spermatozoa can occur in HCO₃^?-free media with synthetic organic buffers (i.e., MOPS, TES, HEPES, Tris, and TAPSO) but not as efficiently as in the HCO₃^?-buffered medium. It appears that HCO₃^? functions as more than just a pH-buffering molecule.