Describe how a cell goes from fertilization to birth. Be sure to mention the different stages and what happens during each

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The first two weeks are called the germinal stage. This stage starts with conception and ends when the zygote is
implanted in the mother's uterine lining. During that time, the fertilized egg cell will divide and differentiate. It will
form a trophoblast (outer layer) which will eventually become the placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic sac, and other
structures that support the developing baby. The inner layer (blastocyst) will eventually become the baby. The
second stage (weeks 3 to 8) is called the embryonic stage. During this stage, three cell layers will form. The
ectoderm (outer layer) will become the nervous system (brain and spinal cord), sensory receptors, and outer skin
layers. The mesoderm (middle layer) will become the circulatory system, skeleton, muscles, excretory system,
reproductive system, the outer layer of the digestive tract, and the inner layer of skin. The endoderm (inner layer)
will eventually become the respiratory system and the remainder of the digestive system. During the fetal stage
(week 9 until birth), the fetus grows dramatically, the organs further differentiate and become functional, first
movements occur, and the heart beats. Eventually, the baby is born.