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Questions and Answers
What is the main function of the acrosome at the tip of the sperm during fertilization?
What is the main function of the acrosome at the tip of the sperm during fertilization?
Which structure prevents polyspermy, the entry of multiple sperm nuclei into the egg?
Which structure prevents polyspermy, the entry of multiple sperm nuclei into the egg?
What is the first major phase of embryonic development after fertilization?
What is the first major phase of embryonic development after fertilization?
What happens during cleavage in embryonic development?
What happens during cleavage in embryonic development?
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What is formed after the zygote divides into two identical cells by mitosis?
What is formed after the zygote divides into two identical cells by mitosis?
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What is the function of the acrosome at the tip of the sperm during fertilization?
What is the function of the acrosome at the tip of the sperm during fertilization?
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Which of the following best describes what happens to the egg's surface to prevent polyspermy?
Which of the following best describes what happens to the egg's surface to prevent polyspermy?
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Which term describes the process of unspecialized embryonic cells changing into specialized cells, tissues, and organs?
Which term describes the process of unspecialized embryonic cells changing into specialized cells, tissues, and organs?
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What is the first major phase of embryonic development known for its emphasis on cell division without growth?
What is the first major phase of embryonic development known for its emphasis on cell division without growth?
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What initiates a series of mitotic cell divisions in the zygote following fertilization?
What initiates a series of mitotic cell divisions in the zygote following fertilization?
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Study Notes
Fertilization
- Fertilization occurs when sperm penetrate the protective layer around the egg and bind to receptors on the egg surface.
- The acrosome at the tip of the sperm releases hydrolytic enzymes that digest material surrounding the egg.
- Changes at the egg surface prevent polyspermy, the entry of multiple sperm nuclei into the egg.
Embryonic Development
- After fertilization, embryonic development in animals begins, following a well-defined pattern of growth and differentiation.
- Development involves the changing of unspecialized embryonic cells into specialized cells, tissues, and organs.
- It is controlled mainly by genes, the hereditary material from the parent cells.
Cleavage Stage
- The zygote begins a series of mitotic cell divisions known as cleavage, which is the first major phase of embryonic development.
- During cleavage, cells don't grow, just divide; therefore, cell size decreases.
- Stages of cleavage include:
- Morula: a solid ball of cells.
- Blastula: a developing embryo with a hollow center filled with fluid (blastocoel).
- Gastrulation: the "horse shoe stage" when the blastula reaches several hundred cells.
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Description
Learn about the molecules and events at the egg surface involved in the fertilization process. Understand how sperm penetrates the protective layer around the egg and the role of receptors in binding during fertilization.
