Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What is a significant outcome of the cleavage process during fetal development?

1. Formation of the neural tube

2. Development of the placenta

3. Transformation of the zygote into a multicellular mass

4. Initiation of breathing movements

The correct answer is: Transformation of the zygote into a multicellular mass

The cleavage process during fetal development refers to the series of rapid cell divisions that occur after fertilization, leading to the transformation of the single-cell zygote into a multicellular structure known as a morula. This process is significant as it marks the initial stage of embryonic development, where the number of cells increases without the embryo itself increasing in size. This multicellular mass is crucial because it eventually leads to the formation of the blastocyst, which will implant in the uterine wall and further develop into an embryo. Therefore, the transformation of the zygote into a multicellular mass underscores a fundamental transition that sets the stage for subsequent developmental processes, making this outcome vital in the context of early embryogenesis.