Embryo Transplants - GCSE Biology Definition

Embryo transplants are a process used in animals, including humans, to help produce more offspring from a pair of parents. During this process, an embryo, which is an early stage of development formed after fertilisation when the sperm and egg cells meet, is removed from the mother. This embryo is then divided into several smaller embryos and placed into the wombs of other female animals. These females are often called "surrogate mothers." Because each embryo has the potential to grow into a new individual, this technique can produce many babies from just one set of parents. Embryo transplants are commonly used in farming to breed animals with valuable traits more quickly and efficiently.