Question

based on figure 1, how many chromosomes should be present in one cell in stage 3?
a. 14, because the genetic information is reduced by half from one stage to the next
b. 28, because at each stage the embryo has half as much genetic information as a fertilized egg does
c. 56, because the genetic information is the same from fertilization through all the stages
d. 224, because at this stage the embryo contains four nuclei

Explanation:

Step1: Recall cell - division principles

In normal somatic cell division (mitosis) and early - stage embryonic development, the genetic information remains the same from one cell to the next. Each cell in the embryo has the same amount of genetic material as the fertilized egg.

Step2: Analyze options

Option A is incorrect because genetic information is not reduced by half in normal embryonic cell divisions (mitosis). Option B is incorrect as the embryo cells have the same amount of genetic information as the fertilized egg, not half. Option D is incorrect because the number of nuclei does not directly determine the amount of genetic material per cell in this context. Option C is correct as during normal development from fertilization through early stages, the genetic information in cells remains the same.

Answer:

C. 56, because the genetic information is the same from fertilization through all the stages