Question Detail
Question
Starting with a zygote, a series of five cell divisions would produce an early embryo with how many cells? a. 4 b. 8 c. 16 d. 32
Correct Answer
Option D is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
Cell division in early embryos is exponential. Starting with 1 cell (zygote), after 1 division there are 2 cells, after 2 divisions = 4, after 3 = 8, after 4 = 16, after 5 divisions = 32 cells. This is a simplified calculation as divisions may not be perfectly synchronous, but the answer is 32.
Hint
Calculate 2 to the power of the number of divisions (2^5).