Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

Fertilization and Early Development — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

MS-LS1-4
MS-LS3-2

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This passage explores the scientific process of fertilization and early human development, aligning with NGSS standards MS-LS1-4 and MS-LS3-2. Students will learn how sperm and egg cells unite to form a zygote, restoring the diploid chromosome number, and follow the steps of cellular division from zygote to morula and blastula. The text details the implantation process in the uterus, cell differentiation, and organ formation, distinguishing between the embryo and fetus stages. The critical role of the placenta in nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange is explained, along with the importance of prenatal health, including nutrition and avoiding harmful substances. The passage includes a glossary, comprehension questions, writing activities, and graphic organizers to support learning. This resource integrates audio for accessibility and is designed specifically for middle school science classrooms to meet rigorous academic standards.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Fertilization marks the beginning of a new organism's development. In humans, this process is essential because it restores the full set of chromosomes needed for life. During fertilization, a sperm cell from the father combines with an egg cell from the mother. Each of these gametes contains 23 chromosomes, which is half the number found in regular body cells. When they unite, they form a single cell called a zygote with 46 chromosomes, returning the cell to a diploid state.

Stages of Early Development

After fertilization, the zygote quickly begins a series of cell divisions known as cleavage. These divisions do not increase the overall size of the zygote but produce many smaller cells. Within three to four days, the zygote becomes a solid ball of cells called a morula. Continued division leads to the formation of a blastula, a hollow sphere of cells. The blastula moves through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it implants itself into the uterine wall. Successful implantation is necessary for development to continue.

Embryo, Fetus, and the Role of the Placenta

After implantation, the developing organism is called an embryo for the first eight weeks. During this time, cell differentiation occurs, which means cells specialize to form various tissues and organs. By the ninth week, the major organs are formed, and the organism is now called a fetus. The placenta develops as a vital organ that connects the fetus to the mother. It allows for the transfer of nutrients and oxygen from mother's blood to the fetus and removes waste products, protecting the growing baby from many harmful substances.

Prenatal Health and Scientific Understanding

Prenatal health is crucial for normal development. Good nutrition, proper medical care, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, or certain medications are essential. Scientists have learned about these processes through observation, microscopic imaging, and studying genetic material. For example, rates of cell division can be measured—early cleavage stages may occur every 12-24 hours. Understanding fertilization and early development helps us grasp larger principles of heredity and the continuity of life. These concepts also show how systems interact: genetic information, cellular processes, and environmental factors all influence the outcome.

Interesting Fact:
Most humans will develop about 37 trillion cells from just a single fertilized zygote!

What happens during fertilization?

A sperm cell and an egg cell combine to form a zygote.The zygote splits into two embryos.The fetus grows organs.A blastula moves to the stomach.

How many chromosomes does a human zygote have?

2312468

What is the role of the placenta?

It divides the zygote into more cells.It provides nutrients and removes waste for the fetus.It forms the blastula.It is the first cell after fertilization.

What does cell differentiation mean?

Cells begin to specialize and form tissues and organs.Cells increase in size.Cells leave the body.Cells stop dividing.

What is the stage called when the developing organism is a hollow sphere of cells?

MorulaBlastulaZygotePlacenta

What does the word 'implantation' mean as used in the passage?

The process where the blastula attaches to the wall of the uterus.The time when the fetus grows organs.The joining of sperm and egg.The removal of waste by the placenta.

Why is prenatal health important for development?

It helps ensure that the embryo and fetus grow normally.It makes the zygote divide faster.It increases chromosome numbers.It forms the fallopian tube.

How do scientists study early development?

By guessing how cells behave.By using microscopes and studying genetic material.By looking at adult organs only.By counting the number of placentas.

True or False: The blastula forms after the morula stage.

TrueFalse

True or False: The zygote contains only half the normal number of chromosomes.

TrueFalse