Reproducting And Genetics

Question 1

Functions of the female reproductive system

Answer 1

• Ovaries store and release eggs
• The Fallopian tubes carry the egg to the uterus, fertilisation occurs here
• The uterus (womb) is where the fertilised egg becomes implanted and finds nourishment
• The Cervix leads from the vagina to the uterus
• The Vagina holds the male penis during sexual intercourse

Question 2

The Menstrual Cycle

Answer 2

• Ovulation: An egg is released from the ovary an average of every 28 days
• During the 28 day menstrual cycle a girls body gets ready in case pregnancy occurs
• The egg is released on day 13-15 of the menstrual cycle and it passes along the fallopian tube to the uterus

Question 3

The Menstrual Cycle

Answer 3

• At the same time the uterus becomes thicker and rich in blood vessels to be ready to receive the egg
• If the egg is not fertilised by a sperm the thickened uterus lining is not needed and breaks away
• Menstruation/Period: The lining and a small amount of blood pass out through the vagina (day 1-5)

Question 4

The Fertile Period

Answer 4

• Fertile period: These are the days of the menstrual cycle when the woman is most likely to become pregnant
• Intercourse 2 or 3 days before, during or after ovulation could lead to fertilisation because sperm cells can survive for this long Intercourse a day or two after ovulation can also lead to pregnancy as the egg can survive this long
• In the average menstrual cycle the fertile period extends from day 11 to day 18
• It is important to remember that the length of the menstrual cycle can vary or be irregular so the fertile period isn’t the same for every woman

Question 5

Pause to menstrual cycle

Answer 5

• If an egg is fertilised, the menstrual cycle is paused for the duration of pregnancy.
The first sign of pregnancy is often that menstruation does not happen.

Question 6

Menopause

Answer 6

• Menopause: Signals the end of a female’s ability to reproduce and also the end of her menstrual cycle. It happens at different ages for different people, typically in the late 40’s to early 50’s.

Question 7

Functions of the Male Reproductive
System

Answer 7

• The Testes produce sperm
• The scrotum is where the testes are, it is located outside the body to ensure the temperature is lower than body temperature for healthy sperm
• The epididymis is a coiled tube on the outside of each testis that stores sperm and allows them to mature fully.
• The vas deferens (sperm duct) brings the sperm from the testes to the penis
• The seminal vesicles, prostate gland and Cowper’s gland produce seminal fluid which mixes with sperm to form semen, it nourishes the sperm and allow them to swim.
• The Penis enters the female and ejaculates semen

Question 8

Asexual

Answer 8

Involves only one parent
Cells from this parent divide and grows from these cells
This is identical to the parent
E.g. strawberries potatoes spider plant buttercup