Explain the term ‘fertilization’. Describe the process of fertilization in human beings.
Answer
The fusion of male and female gametes to form zygote is known as fertilization. The process of fertilization takes place in the fallopian tube (oviduct). As sperm enter into the vagina through the process of copulation; it moves upwards and enter into the oviduct. In the oviduct, ovum fuse with the sperm to form zygote.
What is meant by ‘cloning’? State whether gametes are involved in cloning or not. Name two animals which have been produced by cloning.
Answer
Cloning is the production of an exact copy of a cell, any other living part, or a complete organism. Yes, gametes are involved in cloning. Dolly and noah are two cloned animals.
What type of couples are helped to have babies by the in vitro fertilization technique?
Answer
In vitro fertilization technique is used to help those couples in having babies who can produce sperms and ovum but fertilization does not take place inside the woman’s body due to blocked oviducts.
What is meant by an ‘embryo’? Can we identify the body features in an embryo?
Answer
The zygote divides repeatedly to give rise to a ball of cells. The cells then begin to form groups that develop into different tissues and organs of the body. This developing structure is termed an embryo.
The stage of the embryo in which all the body parts can be identified is called a foetus.
Describe the ‘in vitro fertilization’ technique of reproduction in humans.
Answer
In IVF or invitro fertilization technique, is a process by which an egg is fertilized by the sperm outside the body.
The process involves monitoring and stimulating a woman's ovulatory process, removing ovum or ova (egg or eggs) from the woman's ovaries and letting sperm fertilise them in a fluid medium in a laboratory.
What is meant by ‘reproduction’? why is it essential?
Answer
Reproduction is one of the important characteristics of living things. The ability of organism to produce young ones of its own kind is called reproduction. It is essential for the continuation of a species.
Define asexual reproduction. Name two methods of asexual reproduction in animals. Name two animals which reproduce by these asexual reproduction methods.
Answer
The type of reproduction in which only a single parent is involved is called asexual reproduction. Binary fission and budding are two methods of asexual reproduction in animals. Amoeba reproduce by binary fission and Hydra reproduce by budding.