1.72. Fertilization http://www.ck12.org
FIGURE 1.134
This sperm is ready to penetrate the
membrane of this egg. Notice the differ-
ence in size of the sperm and egg.Vocabulary
- fallopian tube: Female reproductive organs that carry eggs from the ovary to the uterus.
- fertilization: Union of the sperm and egg.
- implantation: Process in which an embryo fixes itself into the lining the uterus.
- meiosis: Process in cell division during which chromosome number is halved in order to produce gametes.
- zygote: Cell with a full set of chromosomes that forms when sperm and egg unite.
Summary
- Fertilization occurs when an egg and sperm come together to form a zygote.
- Implantation occurs when the developing embryo fixes itself to the side of the uterus.
Practice
Use the resource below to answer the questions that follow.
- Human Reproductionat http://www.dnatube.com/video/1127/Human-Reproduction-Fertilization-and-Fetal
-Development (3:01)
MEDIA
Click image to the left for more content.- How long after fertilization does it take the zygote to reach the uterus?
- About how many cells is the zygote at the time of fertilization?
- About how many cells is the embryo at the time of implantation?
- What prevents the uterine lining from being shed if an egg is fertilized?
- How does the developing embryo receive nutrition?