Fertilization!
“The elements that unite are single cells, each on the point of death; but by their union a rejuvenated individual is formed, which constitutes a link in the eternal process of Life.” ~ F. R. Lillie
Union of Sperm and Egg
Union of Egg and Sperm Oviduct Can only occur directly after egg ovulated
How many sperm fertilize egg? Survival of the fittest Polyspermy– nondisjunction? ??? Blocks to polyspermy mov
Slow Block to Polyspermy– formation of fertilization envelope ges/video/mk mov
Thought Question What is the problem with 2+ sperm fertilizing one egg? How is this problem related to nondisjunction?
Twins/IVF
Twins Zygote = fertilized egg
When fertilized egg splits partially
In Vitro Fertilization In Vitro= in petri dish Egg + sperm united outside body
Thought Question What potential fertility problems (M and F)may lead couples to engage in IVF?? Why?? Think of at least 2!!!
IVF often leads to multiple births Multiple zygotes implanted Increased likelihood for complications
How Often Fertilization Works
“If you think it’s amazing that any one of us survives to be born, you are correct.”~ Gilbert, Developmental Biology
Thought Question Out of 20 hypothetical human eggs that come into contact with sperm, how many lead to: – Successful fertilization – Successful implantation – Successful development, 4 th week – Successful development, 8 th week – Fetuses coming to term – OVERALL, what percentage of human conceptions successfully come to term?
½ to 2/3 of human conceptions don’t come to term
Implantation in Uterus/Nourishment for Baby
Implantation in Uterus
Ectopic Pregnancy
Umbilical Cord and Placenta
Amniotic Fluid
Contraception
Physical Barrier methods
Chemical Methods
Thought Question A woman taking birth control still receives her period. What must necessarily occur for this to happen? New birth control pills have been developed that allow women only to get their periods a few times a year. What must be different about these pills vs. normal birth control?
Figure Mechanisms of some contraceptive methods