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Chapter 34: Problem 55

If multiple sperm were to combine with an egg, what would be the outcome? a. A cortical reaction would occur if multiple sperm combine with an egg, resulting in a genetically inviable embryo. b. The embryo would be genetically inviable and would die in a few days. The zygote might have multiple sets of chromosomes. c. The zygote might possess multiple sets of chromosomes, which will result in a neural tube defect in the developing fetus. d. The zygote would be viable, but the resulting embryo would be genetically inviable.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The embryo would be genetically inviable and would die in a few days.

Step by step solution

01

- Understand Fertilization

During fertilization, a single sperm cell combines with an egg cell to form a zygote. This zygote should have one complete set of chromosomes from each parent. If more than one sperm enters the egg, this normal chromosomal balance can be disrupted.
02

- Consider the Impact of Multiple Sperm

If multiple sperm were to combine with an egg, the resulting zygote would have more than two sets of chromosomes. This is a condition known as polyspermy, which usually leads to genetic abnormalities.
03

- Analyze the Options

Review each given option: (a) A cortical reaction is a process that prevents multiple sperm from entering the egg. (b) This suggests the embryo would die due to being genetically inviable, possibly having multiple sets of chromosomes. (c) This option mentions multiple sets of chromosomes leading to a defect, but it does not accurately capture the usual outcome of complete inviability. (d) This option is inaccurate because a polyspermic zygote would not be viable to begin with.
04

- Eliminate Incorrect Options

Eliminate options (a), (c), and (d) based on the understanding from the previous step.
05

- Select the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis, the correct outcome when multiple sperm combine with an egg tracks closest to option (b).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

chromosomal abnormalities
Chromosomal abnormalities occur when there is an unusual number or structure of chromosomes in a cell. During normal fertilization, each parent contributes one set of chromosomes, resulting in a balanced chromosomal structure in the zygote. However, if multiple sperm enter the egg, the zygote may end up with too many chromosomes. This condition is known as polyspermy. Polyspermy often leads to severe genetic abnormalities, as the zygote can't function with an irregular number of chromosomes. Consequently, most polyspermic zygotes are genetically inviable and will not develop properly. This is why it is crucial for mechanisms like the cortical reaction to prevent polyspermy by ensuring only one sperm fertilizes the egg.
fertilization
Fertilization is the process where a sperm cell unites with an egg cell to form a zygote. This process starts when a single sperm penetrates the egg's outer layer and merges its genetic material with that of the egg. The resulting zygote should have a balanced set of chromosomes 鈥� 23 from the sperm and 23 from the egg 鈥� making a total of 46. This chromosomal harmony is crucial for the zygote to develop into a healthy embryo. However, if more than one sperm fertilizes the egg, the chromosomal balance is disrupted. Such an event, called polyspermy, leads to genetic disorders, making the zygote inviable. To avoid this, the egg undergoes a cortical reaction, which alters the egg's membrane to block additional sperm from entering.
zygote viability
The viability of a zygote refers to its ability to develop into a healthy embryo and ultimately a fetus. For a zygote to be viable, it must have the correct number and structure of chromosomes. Polyspermy, the entry of multiple sperm into an egg, results in an excess number of chromosomes. This chromosomal overload spells disaster for the developing zygote, leading to genetic disorders and ultimately, inviability. Most polyspermic zygotes do not survive due to these significant genetic abnormalities. Consequently, a genetically inviable zygote cannot develop into a healthy embryo and will usually be naturally terminated by the body within a few days.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What are some advantages of internal compared with external fertilization? a. Internal fertilization leads to more genetic variations and increases the survival rates of offsprings. b. Internal fertilization increases the survival rates of offspring, and large numbers of offspring are produced. c. Internal fertilization increases the survival rates of offspring, and the chance of fertilization with a specific partner also increases. d. Internal fertilization increases the survival rates of offspring and decreases the chance of fertilization with a specific partner.

Which of the following statements about hormone regulation of the female reproductive cycle is true? a. LH and FSH are produced in the ovaries, and estradiol and progesterone are produced in the pituitary. b. Estradiol and progesterone secreted from the corpus luteum cause the myometrium to thicken. c. Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum. d. Secretion of GnRH by the hypothalamus is inhibited by high levels of estradiol, but stimulated by low levels of estradiol.

Before pregnancy, progesterone is produced by the ovaries to thicken the endometrial lining and ensure pregnancy. During the third trimester of pregnancy, which organ produces progesterone? a. placenta b. endometrial lining c. chorion d. corpus luteum

Which of the following statements regarding early embryonic stages is false? a. The endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm are germ layers. b. The trophoblast is a germ layer. c. The inner cell mass is a source of embryonic stem cells. d. The blastula is often a hollow ball of cells.

What are the mechanisms that protect and nurture the embryo in oviparous animals? a. The hard leathery exterior of bird eggs and the hard calcium covering of reptile eggs provides protection to the growing embryo. Nourishment is provided by yolk in the eggs. b. The hard leathery exterior of reptile eggs and the hard calcium covering of bird eggs provide protection to the growing embryo. Nourishment is provided by endosperm in the eggs. c. The hard leathery exterior of reptile eggs and the hard calcium covering of bird eggs provide protection to the growing embryo. Nourishment is provided by placenta in the eggs. d. The hard leathery exterior of reptile eggs and the hard calcium covering of bird eggs provide protection to the growing embryo. Nourishment is provided by yolk in the eggs.
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