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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best defines a morula?
A
A solid ball of cells resulting from the early cleavage divisions of a fertilized egg
B
A structure formed during meiosis I when homologous chromosomes pair up
C
A single-celled zygote immediately after fertilization
D
A fluid-filled hollow ball of cells formed during early embryonic development
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'morula.' A morula is a stage in early embryonic development characterized by a solid ball of cells formed after the fertilized egg undergoes several rounds of cleavage (cell division).
Step 2: Compare the definition of a morula to the other options provided. For example, the second option describes a structure formed during meiosis I, which is unrelated to the morula as it pertains to gamete formation, not embryonic development.
Step 3: Evaluate the third option, which refers to a single-celled zygote immediately after fertilization. This is incorrect because the morula is formed after multiple cleavage divisions, not immediately after fertilization.
Step 4: Assess the fourth option, which describes a fluid-filled hollow ball of cells. This structure is known as a blastocyst, not a morula. The morula precedes the blastocyst stage in development.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct definition of a morula is 'A solid ball of cells resulting from the early cleavage divisions of a fertilized egg,' as this matches the biological description of the morula stage in embryonic development.