Blastomeres

Definition

Blastomeres are the smaller cells formed during the early stages of embryonic development through the process of cleavage. These cells are crucial in forming the blastula, an early stage in animal development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Blastomeres result from the division of a fertilized egg or zygote.
2. The process that produces blastomeres is called cleavage.
3. Blastomeres contribute to forming the morula and later the blastula.
4. Their size decreases with each division due to cytoplasmic partitioning.
5. The pattern and rate of cleavage can vary among different animal species.

Review Questions

Related terms

Cleavage:

A series of rapid mitotic cell divisions that occur immediately after fertilization.

Morula:

A solid ball of cells resulting from division of a fertilized ovum, and from which a blastula is formed.

Blastula: An early-stage embryo consisting of a sphere of cells surrounding a fluid-filled cavity.