Starting w/ a fertilized egg (zygote), a series of 5 cell divisions would produce an embryo w/ how many cells?

Question

A) 4

B) 8

C) 16

D) 32

E) 64

Answer 1

I think it's E.

Answer 2

One cell division results in the creation of "2" cells; thus, five cell divisions results in 2^5 cells.

2^5 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x2 = 32 cells

D.) is your answer.

Keep in mind that this mathematical relationship only holds true prior to cellular differentiation.  About four to six weeks post fertilization.  Once embryonic cells start differentiating into different tissues and organs, the rate of cell division changes for each differentiated cell type.