Why do infants born at 25 weeks' gestation have a poor survival rate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because infants born at 25 weeks' gestation have a poor survival rate due to insufficient numbers of fetal lung alveoli. This leads to respiratory distress and difficulty in oxygen exchange, impacting their chances of survival. Choice A is incorrect as cardiac development is not the primary factor affecting survival. Choice C is incorrect as gastrointestinal development does not directly impact survival at this stage. Choice D is incorrect as the sucking reflex is not a critical factor in survival compared to respiratory function.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The zona reaction. After fertilization, the zona pellucida undergoes a biochemical change called the zona reaction, which makes the ovum impenetrable to any other sperm. This process prevents polyspermy and ensures that only one sperm can fertilize the egg. Gametogenesis refers to the production of gametes, not the post-fertilization event. The zona pellucida is the glycoprotein layer around the ovum, and cleavage is the rapid mitotic cell division that follows fertilization, but neither of these directly relate to the ovum becoming impenetrable to other sperm.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Conjoined twins are formed at about 13 to 15 days after conception when the embryonic disc undergoes incomplete splitting. At this stage, the cells have already differentiated into different layers, making separation challenging. Immediately after fertilization (choice A) is too early for conjoined twins to form. At the time of implantation (choice B) is when the blastocyst implants into the uterine wall, but conjoined twins are not formed at this point. In the blastocyst stage (choice D), the cells are still in the process of organizing and have not yet differentiated into distinct layers. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer as it aligns with the timing of conjoined twin formation during embryonic development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Formation of a zygote that contains the diploid number of chromosomes. After fertilization, the sperm and egg combine to form a zygote with a complete set of chromosomes (diploid). This is crucial for genetic diversity and proper development. Choice A is incorrect because a zygote is diploid, not haploid. Choice B is incorrect as an embryo is formed later in development and contains diploid chromosomes. Choice D is incorrect because a morula is a stage where the zygote undergoes several rounds of cell division, but it does not yet contain a full diploid set of chromosomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: IgG. IgG is the only immunoglobulin that can cross the placenta due to its small size and ability to bind to the neonatal Fc receptor. This transfer provides passive immunity to the fetus, protecting it from infections. IgA primarily functions in mucosal immunity and is found in secretions like breast milk. IgM is too large to cross the placenta and is mainly produced in response to acute infections. IgD is primarily found on the surface of B cells and functions in the activation of these cells.