Final answer:
The process of nutrition of the embryo involves the placenta's development and functions, including the permeability and diffusion of oxygen and nutrients. The placenta allows for the exchange of substances between the mother and the embryo through diffusion and active transport.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of nutrition of the embryo involves the development and functioning of the placenta. The placenta acts as the interface between the mother and the embryo, allowing the exchange of oxygen and nutrients.
During pregnancy, the mother's blood passes through the placenta, providing oxygen and nutrients to the embryo. Substances such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and lipid-soluble substances move across the placenta through simple diffusion. Water-soluble substances, like glucose, move across through facilitated diffusion. Amino acids and iron, which are in high demand by the fetus, are transported across the placenta through active transport.
The placenta also plays a role in providing passive immunity to the embryo by allowing the transfer of some of the mother's immunoglobulins, which provide protection against potential infections.