If fertilization has occurred, what will happen to the levels of progesterone in the body?

• A. Progesterone levels will remain elevated to support the uterine lining.
• B. Progesterone levels will decrease rapidly.
• C. Progesterone levels will remain unchanged from pre-ovulation levels.
• D. Progesterone levels will fluctuate unpredictably.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of progesterone in the female reproductive system. Progesterone is a hormone produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation. Its primary function is to prepare and maintain the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.
2. Step 2: Consider what happens if fertilization occurs. When fertilization takes place, the embryo begins to produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which signals the corpus luteum to continue producing progesterone.
3. Step 3: Analyze the importance of elevated progesterone levels. Progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining, ensuring it remains thick and nutrient-rich to support the developing embryo.
4. Step 4: Compare the given answer choices. Eliminate options that contradict the biological role of progesterone during pregnancy, such as 'Progesterone levels will decrease rapidly' or 'Progesterone levels will fluctuate unpredictably.'
5. Step 5: Select the correct answer based on the biological explanation. Progesterone levels will remain elevated to support the uterine lining during pregnancy.