Early Human Embryo Development: From Zygote to Gastrula
This document outlines the early stages of human embryonic development following the first cell division. Initially, the zygote divides into two cells, transforming into an embryo. As the embryo undergoes mitosis, it develops into a solid ball known as a morula, and then into a fluid-filled blastula. Key points include the constant cytoplasm volume despite cell proliferation and the formation of the gastrula, a two-layered sac that resembles a double bubble. This process is critical for understanding early development in biology.
Early Human Embryo Development: From Zygote to Gastrula
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Presentation Transcript
The Early Development Janay Rocha Biology Pre AP Day B, Period 2 16 April, 2012
After the first cell division • The zygote forms two cells, the developing animal is called an embryo. • The embryo continues to undergo mitosis and cell division, forming a solid ball of cells.
This is a two cell human Embryo.
This is an embryo at the 16-cell stage, when it is changed from a zygote to a morula.
These cells continue to divide, forming a fluid-filled ball of cells called the blastula. During these early stages of development, the number of cells increases, but the total amount of cytoplasm in the embryo remains the same as that in the original cell. Therefore, the total size of the embryo does not increase during development. The outer blastula is a single layer of cells.
The blastula continues to undergo cell division. Some cells move inward to form a gastrula. A gastrula is a two-cell-layer sac with an opening at one end. A gastrula looks like a double bubble, one bubble inside another bubble.
Works Cited • Pictures: google.com • Information: McGraw Hill. Biology Textbook. April 16, 2012. Web.
