The process by which sperm and egg cells combine to form a fertilized egg is called fertilization or conception. Here's a step-by-step explanation of the process:
1. Ovulation: During ovulation, which typically occurs midway through a woman's menstrual cycle, an egg is released from the ovary and moves into the fallopian tube.
2. Sperm Entrance: If sexual intercourse takes place around the time of ovulation, sperm cells are ejaculated into the vagina. They then travel through the cervix and into the uterus, eventually reaching the fallopian tube where fertilization can occur.
3. Fertilization: Inside the fallopian tube, if a sperm cell successfully penetrates and fertilizes the egg, a unique event occurs called fertilization. It typically takes place in the ampulla, which is the wider portion of the fallopian tube.
4. Fusion of Genetic Material: When a sperm penetrates the egg, their genetic material fuses together. The sperm contributes its DNA to the egg, forming a single fertilized egg cell called a zygote.
5. Zygote Development: The zygote begins dividing rapidly through a process called cell division. It forms into a ball of cells known as a blastocyst, which continues to divide and develop as it moves down the fallopian tube towards the uterus.
6. Implantation: After several days, the blastocyst implants itself into the lining of the uterus. This embedding into the thickened uterine lining is crucial for the ongoing development of the fertilized egg.
7. Further Development: Once implanted, the fertilized egg continues to develop into an embryo. The embryo undergoes further cell division and differentiation, eventually forming the different organs and structures of a developing fetus.
In summary, fertilization occurs when a sperm cell successfully penetrates and fertilizes an egg cell, leading to the creation of a zygote. This zygote then develops into an embryo and eventually a fetus through a series of cell divisions and differentiations.
During fertilization, the sperm and egg unite in one of the fallopian tubes to form a zygote. Then the zygote travels down the fallopian tube, where it becomes a morula. Once it reaches the uterus, the morula becomes a blastocyst.
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Answer:
The process by which sperm and egg cells combine to form a fertilized egg is called fertilization or conception. Here's a step-by-step explanation of the process:
1. Ovulation: During ovulation, which typically occurs midway through a woman's menstrual cycle, an egg is released from the ovary and moves into the fallopian tube.
2. Sperm Entrance: If sexual intercourse takes place around the time of ovulation, sperm cells are ejaculated into the vagina. They then travel through the cervix and into the uterus, eventually reaching the fallopian tube where fertilization can occur.
3. Fertilization: Inside the fallopian tube, if a sperm cell successfully penetrates and fertilizes the egg, a unique event occurs called fertilization. It typically takes place in the ampulla, which is the wider portion of the fallopian tube.
4. Fusion of Genetic Material: When a sperm penetrates the egg, their genetic material fuses together. The sperm contributes its DNA to the egg, forming a single fertilized egg cell called a zygote.
5. Zygote Development: The zygote begins dividing rapidly through a process called cell division. It forms into a ball of cells known as a blastocyst, which continues to divide and develop as it moves down the fallopian tube towards the uterus.
6. Implantation: After several days, the blastocyst implants itself into the lining of the uterus. This embedding into the thickened uterine lining is crucial for the ongoing development of the fertilized egg.
7. Further Development: Once implanted, the fertilized egg continues to develop into an embryo. The embryo undergoes further cell division and differentiation, eventually forming the different organs and structures of a developing fetus.
In summary, fertilization occurs when a sperm cell successfully penetrates and fertilizes an egg cell, leading to the creation of a zygote. This zygote then develops into an embryo and eventually a fetus through a series of cell divisions and differentiations.
Hope that helps!
Explanation:
During fertilization, the sperm and egg unite in one of the fallopian tubes to form a zygote. Then the zygote travels down the fallopian tube, where it becomes a morula. Once it reaches the uterus, the morula becomes a blastocyst.