Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Human Reproduction

Question:

What is the embryo with 8-16 blastomeres known as?

Options:

Morula.

Blastocyst

Zygote.

Foetus.

Correct Answer:

Morula.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (1)- Morula.

Fertilization refers to the process of the fusion of a sperm cell with an egg cell, leading to the formation of a zygote. Following fertilization, the haploid nucleus of the sperm cell combines with that of the egg cell, resulting in the formation of a diploid zygote. The zygote initiates mitotic divisions while traveling through the isthmus of the oviduct, a process known as cleavage. These divisions give rise to 2, 4, 8, and eventually 16 daughter cells called blastomeres.

The embryo with 8 to 16 blastomeres is called a morula. The morula continues to divide and transforms into blastocyst as it moves further into the uterus. Within the blastocyst, the blastomeres are organized into two distinct layers: the outer layer referred to as the trophoblast and an inner group of cells attached to the trophoblast known as the inner cell mass. The trophoblast layer becomes attached to the endometrium, while the inner cell mass differentiates into the embryo.