Test on Bioethical Status of the Human Embryo

Question 1: The study materials suggest that the primitive streak's visibility at 15 days from fertilization marks the true beginning of an individual human being.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The document explicitly states: 'We therefore do not consider in accordance with correct biological logic establishing - as is sometimes suggested - the moment of the beginning of the individual human being at the 15th day from fertilization, that is, when the 'primitive streak' is visible and twin separation can no longer occur'. The materials conclude that a new human individual begins at the fusion of gametes.

Question 2: According to the study materials, which of the following biological properties characterize the developmental process of the one-cell embryo?

A. It involves a succession of molecular and cellular activity guided by genetic information and controlled by continuous interactions.

B. The new vital cycle, once begun at fertilization, proceeds without interruption, with the same individual acquiring its definitive form.

C. The organism acquires its final form through a passage from simple forms to more and more complex forms, while permanently maintaining its identity and individuality.

D. The development is marked by distinct, independent phases where the embryo frequently loses and re-establishes its individual identity.

Explanation: The study materials describe three biological properties characterizing the developmental process of the one-cell embryo: Coordination, Continuity, and Gradualness. Coordination involves activities guided by genome information and controlled by interactions. Continuity means the new vital cycle proceeds without interruption, with the same individual developing. Gradualness refers to the acquisition of final form through simple to complex stages while maintaining permanent identity. The statement that development involves distinct, independent phases where identity is lost and re-established contradicts the principles of continuity and maintaining permanent identity and individuality.

Question 3: The human embryo's development is primarily determined by an internal principle within the substance itself, rather than by an external being like the mother.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that 'the principle of development and change is within the substance itself. It is really this internal principle that determines the embryo's development, and not that of an external being, for example, the mother.'

Question 4: The human being does not possess what will allow him to fulfill himself as a personality from the beginning of embryonic life.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that the human being possesses whatever will allow him to fulfill himself as a personality from the beginning of embryonic life, requiring this from an ontological point of view. Therefore, the statement that he does not possess this from the beginning is incorrect.

Question 5: According to the provided study materials, which statement best describes the ontological status of a zygote?

A. The zygote is potentially a human being, but not actually one until birth.

B. The zygote is already an actual human being, developing its own internal program.

C. The zygote is a single individual with its own life and identity from fertilization.

D. The zygote is merely a possibility of making up a unified system until it develops self-consciousness.

Explanation: The study materials explicitly state, 'On the other hand, the zygote is actually already a human being, developing his own internal programme.' It also clarifies, 'The zygote, however, is an individual with his own life, and with his own identity given to him by a single unifying substantial principle.' This indicates that the zygote is considered an actual human being and an individual from fertilization.