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Multiple Choice
Which of the following has the smallest number of cells?
A
Fetus
B
Embryo
C
Zygote
D
Blastocyst
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the developmental stages of multicellular organisms: A zygote is the single-cell stage formed immediately after fertilization. It undergoes mitotic divisions to form an embryo, which later develops into a blastocyst and eventually a fetus.
Compare the number of cells in each stage: A zygote is a single cell, while an embryo consists of multiple cells formed through mitosis. A blastocyst is a hollow structure containing hundreds of cells, and a fetus is a fully developed multicellular organism.
Recognize that the zygote has the smallest number of cells because it is a single-cell stage, whereas the other stages involve progressively more cells due to cell division and differentiation.
Understand the biological significance: The zygote represents the starting point of development, containing all the genetic material necessary for the organism's growth and differentiation.
Conclude that the correct answer is 'Zygote,' as it has the smallest number of cells compared to the other stages listed.