How many cleavages are required for formation of 16 blastomeres?

1 Answer
Feb 12, 2018

15

Explanation:

First cleavage gives rise to 2 blastomeres. Each blastomere undergoes cleavage to form 2 blastomeres. Thus 3 cleavages occur for the formation of 4 blastomeres.

Each of the 4 blastomeres undergoes cleavage to form 2 blastomeres. Thus 7 (3 & 4) cleavages needed for the formation of 8 blastomeres.

Subsequently each of the 8 blastomeres undergoes cleavage to form 2 blastomeres, giving rise to total 16 blastomeres. Thus total 15 ( 7& 8) cleavages occur to form 16 blastomeres.