Question

Gastrulation is the process in which the cells in the blastula rearrange themselves and form three layers of cells. Each layer will differentiate into a different organ system. At what point of development do the major organs begin to develop?

a) Blastula stage
b) Cleavage stage
c) Gastrula stage
d) Morula stage

Answer 1

The major organs begin to develop during the gastrula stage of embryonic development as this is when the three germ layers that give rise to different organs are formed, leading to organogenesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the stage of embryonic development at which the major organs begin to develop. Major organ development occurs after the formation of the three germ layers during gastrulation. This stage is critical as it leads to the process of organogenesis, where the germ layers differentiate into the various organs and organ systems.

Gastrulation transitions the embryo from a blastula, a hollow ball of cells, to a gastrula, with three distinct germ layers: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. These layers will further develop into major organs through continued cell division, differentiation, and structural organization. Therefore, the major organs begin to develop at the gastrula stage of development, making the correct answer to the student's question c) Gastrula stage.