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Level A1 – BeginnerCEFR A1
2 min
79 words
- Many mammals can pause a pregnancy by using diapause.
- Seals delay embryo implantation until the female has enough fat.
- Hundreds of species use this strategy, from mice to moose.
- Humans do not enter embryonic diapause like other mammals.
- Scientists studied cells from mice to learn how diapause works.
- The cells slowed metabolism and produced much less RNA and protein.
- Despite low energy, the cells could still become any cell type.
- When stress ended, cells resumed normal development and function.
Difficult words
- diapause — A temporary stop of development in early embryos.embryonic diapause
- implantation — When an embryo attaches to the mother's uterus.
- embryo — An animal in very early development before birth.
- embryonic — Relating to an embryo or early development.
- metabolism — All chemical processes that keep a cell alive.
- protein — A molecule that cells make and use.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which animal in the article do you find most interesting?
- Have you ever seen a seal, mouse, or moose?
- Would you like to learn more about how cells can pause and then resume?
