Question
Biology Question on human reproduction
During cleavage, what is true about cells?
A
nucleocytoplasmic ratio remains unchanged
B
size does not increase
C
there is less consumption of oxygen
D
the division is like meiosis.
Answer
size does not increase
Explanation
Solution
The term cleavage refers to a series of rapid mitotic divisions of the zygote following fertilization, forming a many-celled blastula. Interphase in cleavage divisions is short and does not involve growth so that the resulting blastomeres become smaller in size as their number increases. Thus, the size of the cells (blastomeres) does not increase during cleavage.