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− | * In the Ootid, male and female pronuclei along with the first and second polar bodies are present. | + | * In the Ootid, male and female '''pronuclei''' along with the first and second '''polar bodies''' are present. |
− | * Fusion of male and female pronuclei to form a single diploid nucleus ('''Syngamy''') | + | * Fusion of male and female pronuclei to form a single '''diploid nucleus''' ('''Syngamy''') |
− | * Zygote (diploid) undergoes mitotic divisions ('''cleavage'''). | + | * '''Zygote''' (diploid) undergoes mitotic divisions ('''cleavage'''). |
| * Cleavage gives rise to daughter cells called '''Blastomeres'''. | | * Cleavage gives rise to daughter cells called '''Blastomeres'''. |
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| * Cleavage divisions continue and the 4-celled Embryo gives rise to an 8-celled Embryo. | | * Cleavage divisions continue and the 4-celled Embryo gives rise to an 8-celled Embryo. |
| * After the 8-celled stage, a ball of cells is formed. This stage is referred to as a '''Morula'''. | | * After the 8-celled stage, a ball of cells is formed. This stage is referred to as a '''Morula'''. |
| + | * '''Tight junctions''' form between outer cells of the Morula. |
| + | * '''Gap junctions''' form between inner cells of the Morula. |
| + | * Thus, two groups of cells are created within the Morula. |
| + | * Outer cells pump Sodium into the intracellular spaces and water follows osmotically. |
| + | * Fluid begins to accumulate within the Morula. |
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− | | + | * Cells of the Morula continue to divide and a '''Blastocyst''' develops, consisting of: |
− | * Cells of the Morula continue to devide and a '''Blastocyst''' develops, consisting of: | |
| ** '''Inner Cell Mass''' (ICM) | | ** '''Inner Cell Mass''' (ICM) |
| ** '''Blastocoele''' cavity | | ** '''Blastocoele''' cavity |
| ** Single layer of '''Trophoblast''' cells | | ** Single layer of '''Trophoblast''' cells |
| + | * As fluid accumulates, the outer cells become flattened and a cavity known as the Blastocoele is formed. |
| + | * Gap junctions connecting the inner cells of the Morula enable them to polarise as a group. |
| + | * As a result, two separate cellular components emerge - the Inner Cell Mass and the Trophoblasts. |
| + | |
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− | * Blastocyst ''''hatches'''' from the '''Zona Pellucida'''. | + | * Blastocyst continues mitosis. |
− | * Blastocyst free-floating within the Uterus. | + | * Fluid accumulates to fill the Blastocoele and pressure within the embryo increases. |
| + | * Concurrent with growth and fluid accumulation is the production of '''proteolytic enzymes''' by '''Trophoblastic''' cells. |
| + | * Enzymes weaken the '''Zona Pellucida'''. |
| + | * Blastocyst begins to contract and relax causing intermittent pressure pulses on the Zona Pellucida. |
| + | * Zona Pellucida ruptures with the development of a small fissure just large enough for the Blastocyst to squeeze out. |
| + | * Blastocyst ''''hatches'''' from the Zona Pellucida. |
| + | ** '''Rodent,Dog,Cat,Primate''': 8 days after fertilization |
| + | ** '''Ungulates''': 12 days after fertilization. |
| + | * Blastocyst free-floating within the Uterus, totally dependent on the Uterine environment for survival. |