BLASTULAS Meaning and
Definition
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Blastulas are hollow, spherical structures that form during the embryonic development of animals. It is an early stage in animal development, occurring after the formation of a zygote and subsequent cell division. This developmental stage is crucial in the formation of various tissues and organs in most animals.
The blastula is typically characterized by a single layer of cells called the blastoderm, which surrounds a central fluid-filled cavity called the blastocoel. These cells are known as blastomeres, and they are formed through the process of cleavage, which involves repeated cell division without growth.
The size and shape of blastulas may vary depending on the particular species and its mode of development. In some animals, such as sea urchins, the blastula stage is short-lived and rapidly progresses into subsequent stages of development. However, in other animals, such as mammals, the blastula undergoes further transformations, such as gastrulation, where the blastoderm invaginates and forms layers of cells that give rise to the various body tissues.
The blastula stage represents a critical point in embryonic development, as it sets the foundation for further differentiation and specialization of cells. It marks the transition from a fertilized egg to a multicellular organism, where cells begin to acquire distinct roles and functions necessary for the proper formation of tissues, organs, and eventually, the entire organism.
Common Misspellings for BLASTULAS
Etymology of BLASTULAS
The word "blastulas" has its etymology rooted in the field of embryology. It is derived from the Greek word "blastos" (βλαστός), meaning "germ" or "sprout". In ancient Greek, "blastos" denoted both the bud or sprout of a plant and the embryo or germ cell of an animal. The term was later adopted in the scientific terminology to refer specifically to one of the earliest stages of animal embryonic development, characterized by a hollow ball of cells.
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