Final answer:
The egg has 24 hours to get fertilized inside the Fallopian tube. If it does not, it will dissolve. Option a. 24 hours; dissolves is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
An egg has around 24 hours to get fertilized in the Fallopian tube; if it’s not fertilized, it will disintegrate and be shed during menstruation. Sperm can survive for 3-5 days in the tubes, allowing fertilization if intercourse occurs a few days before ovulation.
Inside the Fallopian tube, an egg (oocyte) has approximately 24 hours to be fertilized after ovulation. If it is not fertilized within this time frame, the egg will continue its journey down to the uterus, where it is likely to disintegrate and eventually be shed from the body during the next menstrual cycle.
Sperm, on the other hand, have a longer survival span within the Fallopian tubes, being able to survive there for 3-5 days after ejaculation, which means fertilization can occur if intercourse happens a few days before ovulation.
If fertilization does occur, the secondary oocyte quickly completes meiosis II, forms a diploid zygote, and starts dividing as it continues down the Fallopian tube towards the uterus.
The developing ball of cells, known as a blastocyst, will then implant itself in the endometrium of the uterus, signifying the start of gestation. Option a. 24 hours; dissolves is correct.