Question

What are Blastomeres?

Answer 1

Hint: Blastomeres are formed as a result of post fertilisation. This stage lasts till the first week of embryonic development. It is an essential part of blastula formation.

Complete answer:
A blastomere is a cell that is produced as a result of cell division or cleavage of the zygote. Cleavage is the process of cell division that takes place in the embryonic state. The blastomere formation begins just after the fertilisation and continues till the development of the embryo. The zygote divides into two cells. These are the two-celled stages of blastomere. It is the first mitotic division of the fertilised ovum. After subsequent divisions a group of cells are formed, It is known as the blastomeres. The division results in a smaller cell as the size of the embryo does not increase.

The 16 to 32 blastomere stage is known as a morula. After the formation of the morula, the cytosolic material in the blastomere develops membrane functions as a sodium pump. This pump helps in supporting life. The size of the blastomere is dependent on the frequency and size of the cleavage. After the 8-celled stage, the blastomere form adherens junctions which help in changing the morphology of the cells and the cells and the cells begin to differentiate.

Note: The blastomeres are the totipotent cells, they are potent in developing the whole adult organism from a single cell. There can arise a disorder in the continuous division of the blastomere which can result in the uneven result of cell division.