Module 4
1. Module 4
Module 4—From Fertilization to Birth
Introduction
When the sperm from your father met the egg from your mother, your genetic features were established through the union of two parental sets of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA also directed the unicellular fertilized egg through cell divisions to become a multicellular organism. During this developmental period, cells responded to DNA by differentiating and specializing into the tissues, organs, and systems that make up your body. Hormones regulated this development. In addition to genetic factors dictating, and hormonal factors regulating, your prenatal development, environmental factors also affected your development.
In this module you will come to understand the process of gestation. You will examine what happens to the egg after it has been fertilized, the developmental stages of the embryo and fetus, and finally how the birthing process produces a new offspring. You will also examine how reproductive technologies can enhance fertilization and how they are used in the birthing process.