Refer to the figure below showing the distribution of cytoplasmic determinants within an embryo undergoing cleavage.If the cells are separated from one another,which cell or combination of cells will most likely to be able to form a complete but smaller than normal embryo?
A) Cell 1
B) Cell 3
C) Cells 1 and 2 combined
D) Cells 3 and 4 combined
E) Cells 1 and 3 combined

Question

Refer to the figure below showing the distribution of cytoplasmic determinants within an embryo undergoing cleavage.If the cells are separated from one another,which cell or combination of cells will most likely to be able to form a complete but smaller than normal embryo? 
A) Cell 1 
B) Cell 3 
C) Cells 1 and 2 combined 
D) Cells 3 and 4 combined 
E) Cells 1 and 3 combined

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order to form a complete but smaller than normal embryo, the cells must contain all the necessary cytoplasmic determinants. Cell 1 contains maternal mRNA, but lacks other important determinants such as bicoid protein and nanos mRNA. Cell 3 contains maternal mRNA and bicoid protein, but lacks other important determinants such as nanos mRNA. Therefore, combining cells 1 and 3 would provide all the necessary cytoplasmic determinants to form a complete but smaller than normal embryo. The other cell combinations listed lack one or more important determinants necessary for embryonic development.

Refer to the Figure Below Showing the Distribution of Cytoplasmic