During the rapid cell division that occurs after fertilization,cells increase rapidly in number,but the embryo stays the same size.The cells of this very early embryo must
A) undergo gastrulation before rapid cell division begins.
B) undergo rapid meiosis.
C) have a very short interphase.
D) contain a large yolk sac.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During rapid cell division, there is little time for cell growth, so the interphase (growth phase) of the cell cycle is very short. Therefore, the cells of the early embryo must have a very short interphase to be able to divide rapidly without increasing in size. Choice A (undergo gastrulation) and D (contain a large yolk sac) are not relevant to the question, and choice B (undergo meiosis) is incorrect because meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes, and is not relevant to the early stages of embryonic development.

During the Rapid Cell Division That Occurs After Fertilization,cells Increase