What role does the tail of a sperm cell serve?

The tail of a sperm cell, known as the flagellum, plays a crucial role in enabling the sperm to swim efficiently towards the egg for fertilization. It is a whip-like structure that propels the sperm through the female reproductive tract, allowing it to move swiftly and navigate to reach its destination. The movement generated by the tail is essential for sperm motility, which is necessary for successful reproduction.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the function of the tail. Energy for the sperm cell is primarily generated by mitochondria located in the midpiece. Protection of the sperm cell comes from its outer membrane, while genetic material is stored in the head of the sperm, where the nucleus is located. Therefore, the primary and distinctive function of the tail is indeed to help the sperm swim.