PS275 Chapter 3: Chapter 3 Notes.docx
Document Summary
Chapter 3 textbook notes hereditary influences on development. Sperm cell penetrates the lining of the ovum, a biochemical reaction repels other sperm, preventing them from repeating the fertilization process. The sperm cell begins to disintegrate, releasing its genetic material. Then the ovum also releases its genetic material and a new cell nucleus forms (zygote) The new cell (zygote) contains 46 elongated, thread like bodies called chromosomes consisting of thousands of genes. Chromosomes come in pairs (one from mother"s ovum and other from father"s sperm) Genes also function as pairs and are located at the same sites on their corresponding chromosomes. A unique feature of dna is that it can duplicate itself (open like a zipper: this is what allows a zygote to become a complex human being. Growth of the zygote and production of body cells. As the zygote goes through the fallopian tubes to the uterus, it replicates itself through mitosis.
