What is the term for a solid mass of cells formed by cleavage of a fertilized ovum?

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Multiple Choice

What is the term for a solid mass of cells formed by cleavage of a fertilized ovum?

Explanation:
The main idea tested is the early embryonic stage created by cleavage that forms a solid cluster of cells. After fertilization, the zygote divides rapidly without increasing in size, producing a solid ball of cells known as the morula. This stage is compact and lacks a fluid-filled cavity. As development continues, the morula develops a fluid cavity and becomes a blastocyst, which is a hollow structure. The zygote is the single fertilized cell before any divisions, and the term embryo refers to the developing organism after those early stages. Since the question asks for the solid mass formed by cleavage, the correct term is morula.

The main idea tested is the early embryonic stage created by cleavage that forms a solid cluster of cells. After fertilization, the zygote divides rapidly without increasing in size, producing a solid ball of cells known as the morula. This stage is compact and lacks a fluid-filled cavity. As development continues, the morula develops a fluid cavity and becomes a blastocyst, which is a hollow structure. The zygote is the single fertilized cell before any divisions, and the term embryo refers to the developing organism after those early stages. Since the question asks for the solid mass formed by cleavage, the correct term is morula.

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