Video Transcript
After fertilization, the egg will
divide several times and then implant into the uterus lining. What is the name of the structure
that implants in the uterus? (A) A gamete, (B) an oocyte, (C) an
embryo, (D) a spermatocyte.
To answer this question, we need to
recall what happens in fertilization and the names of the structures that refer to
the fertilized egg as it develops. Fertilization is when the nuclei of
the gametes fuse. In humans, the gametes are the
sperm in males and the egg cells in females. When the nuclei of the egg and
sperm fuse in fertilization, a new structure called the zygote forms. The zygote moves through the
Fallopian tube, while its cells divide several times and rapidly descends into the
uterus. After implanting into the uterus,
the zygote develops into an embryo. Over the next 30 weeks, the embryo
will develop into a fetus and will eventually exit the uterus as a baby through the
process of labor and delivery.
With this information, we can now
take a look at the answer choices. From the review, we recall that
while fertilization requires the fusion of gametes, these cell types are either a
sperm cell or an egg cell in humans and doesn’t implant into the uterus. So, this answer choice is
incorrect.
The term oocyte may sound familiar,
and that is because it’s the name used for egg cells before they mature. However, after the oocyte matures
and is released from the ovary, it is called an ovum. So, this answer choice is
incorrect. From the review, we recall that the
fertilized egg is called the zygote. After the zygote travels into the
uterus, it implants and becomes an embryo. As the embryo matures, it develops
into a fetus, which will then through the process of birth become a baby. So, this answer choice is
correct.
Finally, the term spermatocyte may
sound familiar because it is the name used for a sperm cell before it matures. However, only a mature sperm cell
can fertilize the egg cell. So, this answer choice is
incorrect. With this information, we’re now
able to answer the question. The name of the structure that
implants in the uterus is the embryo.
