To penetrate the zona pellucida of the ovum, the sperm ________

(A) passes down a channel in the protective layer to reach the egg membrane
(B) stimulates opening of ion channels along the egg membrane by releasing sodium ions from the acrosomal cap
(C) releases a hormone that signals the egg to dissolve the thick coating
(D) releases digestive enzymes from the acrosomal cap
(E) uses the swimming action of the flagellum to move inside the egg