Reproduction in Humans: Answers

What is meant by the term ‘zygote’.

The word zygote refers to a fertilised egg cell. It is formed when a sperm cell attaches to an egg cell and their nuclei fuse during sexual reproduction.

Name the gametes produced by males in sexual reproduction. In which organ are they produced?

Male sex cells (or gametes) are called sperm cells. They are produced in the testes.

Name the gametes produced by females in sexual reproduction. In which organ are they produced?

Female sex cells (or gametes) are called ova (singular ovum). Ova is the scientific term for egg cells. They are produced in the ovaries.

Give the term used to describe the fusion of gametes.

Fertilisation.

In which organ of a female parent do offspring develop?

Offspring develop in the uterus before they are born. The zygote implants itself into the wall of the uterus and grows by mitosis into a ball of cells, which then develops into an embryo.

Give examples of secondary sexual characteristics in men and women.

Secondary sexual characteristics in men include the production of sperm, the lowering of the vocal cords and the growth of pubic and facial hair. In women, secondary sexual characteristics include the development of breasts, menstruation and the growth of pubic hair.

Describe the role of the placenta during pregnancy.

The placenta anchors the baby in the uterus and provides the developing embryo with substances (glucose & oxygen) by connecting the embryo to the mother’s bloodstream. It also enables the removal of waste products, such as carbon dioxide and water.