Question

Zygote divides to form _________________ which is implanted in the uterus.

Answer 1

Sexual reproduction in human beings starts with the process of fertilization of the male and female gametes – the sperm and ovum respectively. This event gives rise to the single celled zygote. The zygote then travels down to the uterus. During the journey to the uterus the zygote divides several times until its implantation in the uterus.

Complete step by step answer: The mode of reproduction in human beings is sexual. The process starts with the fertilization of the sperm and ovum in the fallopian tube of the reproductive tract of the females. After fertilization, a single celled zygote is formed. This zygote then travels down the fallopian tube and enters the uterus. During the journey to the uterus the zygote divides several times by a process called cleavage.
Cleavage is the process of repeated mitotic divisions that take place in the zygote. The divisions take place longitudinally to form a solid ball of cells. The zygote at this stage is known as morula. The morula is a 16 celled structure which undergoes further compaction and cell division to form the blastocyst.
The blastocyst formed travels down to the uterus approximately on the fifth day after fertilization. It then aligns itself to the uterine wall and completes the process of implantation.
Therefore, it can be concluded that Zygote divides to form the blastocyst which is implanted in the uterus.

Additional Information:
The blastocyst comprises a mass of cells called the Inner Cell Mass and Trophoblast. The ICM eventually forms the inner cell mass and the trophoblast the extra embryonic membranes. The cells of the blastocyst are known as blastomeres and are arranged radially around a cavity called the blastocoel. The cells of blastula are pluripotent, that is they can give rise to an entire organism. Manipulation of cell signaling pathways can lead to formation of various tissues from the blastula – which makes it an important component of stem cell research and regenerative medicine.

Note:
Zygote is formed after fertilization. The zygote divides mitotically by a process called Cleavage and forms a ball of cells called morula. The morula undergoes further development and forms a blastula, which is implanted in the uterus. The blastula is composed of blastomeres which are arranged around a fluid filled cavity called blastocoel. The fluid in the blastocoel comprises amino acids, proteins and other growth factors necessary for further growth.