Implantation and development during weeks 1&2 (genetic/congenital disorders):
1. Explain what aspects of early mammalian cleavage facilitate molecular screening of embryos for genetic defects
2. Describe the major ectopic sites of implantation. What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?
3. What risk factors predispose to ectopic or tubal pregnancy?
4. Describe the different mechanisms which results in twins. Discuss population differences in the frequency of twins.
5. Discuss the reason and numbers of pregnancies which abort within the first two weeks. What are the difficulties in obtaining such data?
6. Describe the characteristics, diagnosis and prognosis of choriocarcinoma and Hydatiform mole.
7. Classify the contraceptives. Identify the mechanism and sites of contraceptive blocks of gametogenesis, ovulation and fertilization. What ethical issues impact on the choice of birth control type?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Implantation and Development during Weeks 1&2: Genetic/Congenital Disorders
Molecular Screening of Embryos for Genetic Defects
Early mammalian cleavage refers to the rapid division of cells that occurs during the first few days after fertilization.
This process creates multiple cells, providing an opportunity for molecular screening to identify genetic defects.
By extracting a few cells from the developing embryo, scientists can analyze the genetic material for any abnormalities.
As these cells are still undifferentiated, any genetic defects detected at this stage can help determine the viability of the embryo and prevent the transmission of certain congenital disorders.
Ectopic Pregnancy and Major Ectopic Implantation Sites
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, typically in the fallopian tubes.
Other major ectopic implantation sites include the ovaries, abdominal cavity, and cervix.
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may include pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, shoulder pain, dizziness, and fainting.
If left untreated, ectopic pregnancies can lead to rupture of the fallopian tube or other complications.
Risk Factors Predisposing to Ectopic or Tubal Pregnancy
Risk factors for ectopic or tubal pregnancy include previous ectopic pregnancy, previous pelvic surgery, history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), use of assisted reproductive technologies, smoking, and advanced maternal age.
Conditions that affect the structure or function of the fallopian tubes, such as tubal scarring or blockages, also increase the risk.
Mechanisms Resulting in Twins and Population Differences
Twins can be classified into two types: monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal).
Monozygotic twins result from a single fertilized egg splitting into two embryos, sharing identical genetic material.
Dizygotic twins occur when two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm cells.
The frequency of twins varies among populations due to factors like maternal age, hereditary factors, and use of assisted reproductive technologies.
Abortions within the First Two Weeks of Pregnancy
Many pregnancies abort within the first two weeks due to various reasons, such as chromosomal abnormalities or implantation issues.
Obtaining accurate data on the number of pregnancies that abort within this time frame is challenging because many early miscarriages go unnoticed or are mistaken for a delayed menstrual period.
Additionally, some women may not be aware that they were pregnant if the miscarriage occurs very early.
Choriocarcinoma and Hydatiform Mole
Choriocarcinoma is a rare form of cancer that develops from abnormal placental tissue.
It can occur following molar pregnancies (hydatiform mole) or normal pregnancies.
Hydatiform mole is an abnormal pregnancy where a non-viable fertilized egg implants in the uterus and forms a mass instead of a fetus.
Diagnosis of both choriocarcinoma and hydatiform mole involves imaging techniques, blood tests (e.g., beta-hCG levels), and histopathological examination.
Prognosis can vary based on factors such as the extent of cancer spread, timely diagnosis, and patient response to treatment.
Classification of Contraceptives and Ethical Issues
Contraceptives can be classified into various categories, including hormonal methods (e.g., birth control pills, patches), barrier methods (e.g., condoms), intrauterine devices (IUDs), emergency contraception (e.g., morning-after pill), and permanent methods (e.g., tubal ligation).
Mechanisms of contraceptive action include blocking gametogenesis (sperm or egg production), preventing ovulation, inhibiting fertilization, or altering the uterine environment to prevent implantation.
Ethical issues surrounding birth control choice may involve religious beliefs, personal autonomy, access to contraception, and cultural norms regarding family planning practices.
