Question

During cleavage, the mass of cells: a. increases b. decreases c. doubles with every cell division d. does not change significantly

Short answer

The correct option is d. does not change significantly .

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Given information

The development of multi-cellular organisms begins from a single-celled zygote, which undergoes rapid cell division to form the blastula. The rapid, multiple rounds of cell division are termed cleavage.

Step 2. Explanation

The correct option is d. does not change significantly .

. During cleavage, the cells divide without an increase in mass; that is, one large single-celled zygote divides into multiple smaller cells. Each cell within the blastula is called a blastomere.