Module 1
Explanation of concepts
Asexual – sexual reproduction: sexual reproduction involves the combination of fertilization agents from two organisms, a male and a female. They mate then produce offspring that are genetically unique. On the other hand, asexual reproduction entails fertilization by one organism, which is typically female. The offspring produced is genetically similar to the parent.
Mitosis – Meiosis: mitosis is the division of a cell into two similar cells. They are normally identical to the parent cell. Meanwhile, meiosis is the division of a germ cell into four identical sex cells. Each of the cells has half the number of chromosomes that the parent cell has.
Diploid – Haploid: a diploid is a cell that has two sets of chromosomes and reproduces through mitosis. A haploid cell only has one complete set of chromosomes. It is formed through meiosis of a diploid cell.
Gametes: gametes are the reproductive cells of an organism. Female gametes are called ova while the male gametes are sperms. They are haploid.
Fertilization: it is the process in which the nucleus of a sperm cell merges with the nucleus of an ovum to form a zygote, which is a diploid cell.
Zygote: it is the cell that is formed after fertilization through sexual reproduction. It is a diploid cell which develops into an embryo and later a fetus.
Syngamy: it is the fusion of sex cells from a male and a female to form a zygote and facilitate its development into an embryo and later a fetus.
Blastocyst: it is a figure that is formed during the early development of organisms. It is formed 5 to 9 days after fertilization.
Implantation: it is a stage of pregnancy where an embryo attaches itself to the uterus walls in a female.
Gastrulation: it is the process of developing an embryo where it divides to transform from a single layer of cells into multiple layers.
Embryo – Fetus: an embryo is a structure formed when a zygote develops in the uterus. It later develops to become a fetus.
Fertilization from cellular to fetus
After fertilization, a zygote is formed inside the oviduct. It then moves down into the uterus after 3 to 5 days and attaches on one of the walls (Cioffi, 2019). It divides severally to form a blastocyst as it moves down to the womb. It continues to divide and becomes an embryo that is attached to the uterine walls by a placenta. Most internal organs, including kidneys, the heart, and liver grow during this stage, which is about three weeks after fertilization. The heart also begins to pump fluid into the embryo around this time. The embryo continues to develop, assuming the shape of a human being. The brain and spinal cord then begin to form. By the tenth week, almost all organs are formed. However, the brain and spinal cord continue to develop throughout the pregnancy. By this time, the embryo develops and becomes a fetus. It continues to grow and fills the entire uterus by the twelfth week.
Beginning of human life
Scientifically speaking, human life begins at conception. Literature suggests that immediately after fertilization, growth begins from the embryo’s zygote stage, then the fetus. A baby is eventually born nine months later. Thus, a person starts developing after a woman conceives.
Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services
The article provides insight into the need to care for human dignity. According to the reading, the church cannot promote actions that undermine human life (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2009). Life begins at conception and ends when a person dies. Thus, it is essential to care for a woman and her baby during and after pregnancy. The church also promotes marriage which entails the coming together of a man and a woman to help God facilitate the creation of new humans. The church also disapproves the use of contraceptives because they are the will of God on creation. Though the church welcomes technology on reproduction, it does not support technologies that are not consistent with preserving human dignity.