Lecture One

Question 1

Define the term gamete:

Answer 1

A reproductive haploid cell that fuses with another haploid cell to together form a diploid gamete. A gamete is formed by the process of meiosis the female gamete being referred to as an egg. Whereas the male gamete is referred to as sperm.

Question 2

Define the term zygote:

Answer 2

Refers to a fertilised female gamete. This is normally created by the fusion of an egg and a sperm

Question 3

Define the term embryo:

Answer 3

Refers to the time frame from when the female egg is fertilised to when organogenesis is completed, and the foetal development commences. Represented by the first eight weeks within humans

Question 4

Define the term foetus:

Answer 4

Refers to the period after embryological development is complete and the foetus is growing however all of the organs have been formed. The foetal period continues until the foetus is born.

Question 5

Define the term cleavage:

Answer 5

Refers to the stage at which the zygote subdivides, and the determinants are portioned into blastomeres

Question 6

Define the term morula:

Answer 6

After cleavage produces a solid ball of cells

Question 7

Define the term blastula:

Answer 7

A cavity forms within the morula, transforming it into a blastula

Question 8

Define the term Embryoblast:

Answer 8

Refers to the inner cell mass of the blastula this will form the embryo

Question 9

Define the term Trophoblast:

Answer 9

Refers to the outer cell mass of the blastula this will form the extraembryonic tissues (being the placenta)