Yolk molecules tend to accumulate in the vegetal half in the fertilized eggs of most animals, and the presence of yolk can slow down cell division. Based on this observation, which of the following statements is most likely to be true?
A) Assuming that there has been no movement, cells in the vegetal half of the embryo should be larger than those in the animal half.
B) Assuming that there has been no movement, cells in the vegetal half of the embryo should be smaller than those in the animal half.
C) Polarity exists in the fertilized egg.
D) Both a and c
E) Both b and c

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Yolk molecules tend to accumulate in the vegetal half of fertilized eggs, creating polarity in the egg. This polarity affects the distribution of cytoplasm and can influence the size and rate of cell division in different regions of the embryo. Assuming that there has been no movement, cells in the vegetal half of the embryo should be larger than those in the animal half due to the presence of yolk slowing down cell division. Therefore, choice A is correct. Additionally, polarity exists in the fertilized egg as a result of the accumulation of yolk in the vegetal half, making choice C also correct. Thus, the best answer is D.

Yolk Molecules Tend to Accumulate in the Vegetal Half in the Fertilized