After how many cells does the zygote start to differentiate?
What is it called after the 8 cell stage?
How many cells would be in the next stage of development?
Are these embryonic stem cells?
Many thanks
Amanda x
After the process of fertilization, the zygote begins to divide through a process called cleavage. Cleavage results in the formation of a solid ball of cells called a morula. The zygote starts to differentiate into different cell types at around the 8-16 cell stage.
After the 8-cell stage, the morula undergoes further development and forms a structure called a blastocyst. The blastocyst consists of two distinct cell populations: the inner cell mass and the outer layer of cells known as the trophoblast.
The next stage of development after the blastocyst is the implantation stage. During this stage, the blastocyst attaches to the uterine wall and further development occurs.
Embryonic stem cells are derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. These cells have the potential to differentiate into any cell type in the body, making them an important resource for studying early development and potential applications in regenerative medicine.
So, to summarize:
1. The zygote starts to differentiate at around the 8-16 cell stage.
2. After the 8-cell stage, it becomes a blastocyst.
3. The next stage after the blastocyst is implantation.
4. The inner cell mass of the blastocyst contains embryonic stem cells.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.
After approximately four days of fertilization, the zygote starts to differentiate.
After the 8-cell stage, it is called a morula.
The next stage of development is the blastocyst stage, which typically occurs around the fifth day after fertilization. The blastocyst stage consists of around 100 to 150 cells.
Yes, these are embryonic stem cells. The blastocyst contains a cluster of cells called the inner cell mass, which gives rise to embryonic stem cells.