blastocysts
Pre-implantation embryo stage
Blastocysts are early-stage embryos, typically forming about five days after fertilization.
At this stage, a hollow ball of cells has differentiated into an outer layer (which will become the placenta) and an inner cell mass (which will become the fetus).
Blastocysts are central to IVF procedures and stem cell research: The clinic freezes blastocysts for future implantation.
Organism before birth
- implantationEmbedding into tissue
- uterusFemale reproductive organ
- morulaSolid embryonic cell mass
- inner cell massEmbryo-forming blastocyst cells
zygote · fertilization · hatching · gastrulation · cleavage · placenta · conception · gestation
Move between locations
- implantationEmbedding into tissue
- cultureCollective social practices
- gradingAssigning marks to work
- vitrificationTransformation into glass
cryopreservation · biopsy · assisted reproduction · genetic testing · embryologist · incubator · expanded · uterine lining
Undifferentiated cells with regenerative potential
- pluripotentAble to become many cell types
- differentiationRecognizing meaningful differences
- cell cultureLaboratory technique for growing tissue
- in vitroIn an artificial environment
chimera · gene editing · CRISPR · organoids · cell lines · bioethics · cloning · ESC
embryo
Organism before birth
- implantationEmbedding into tissue
- uterusFemale reproductive organ
- morulaSolid embryonic cell mass
inner cell mass · zygote · fertilization · hatching · gastrulation · cleavage · placenta · conception · gestation · chorion
transfer
Move between locations
- implantationEmbedding into tissue
- cultureCollective social practices
- gradingAssigning marks to work
vitrification · cryopreservation · biopsy · assisted reproduction · genetic testing · embryologist · incubator · expanded · uterine lining · progesterone
stem cells
Undifferentiated cells with regenerative potential
- pluripotentAble to become many cell types
- differentiationRecognizing meaningful differences
- cell cultureLaboratory technique for growing tissue
in vitro · chimera · gene editing · CRISPR · organoids · cell lines · bioethics · cloning · ESC · cell therapy