Zygote
Definition
A zygote is a fertilized egg formed when two gametes (sperm and egg) fuse together during fertilization. It contains the full set of chromosomes necessary for development into a new organism.
Analogy
Imagine a zygote as a seed. Just like how a seed contains all the information needed to grow into a plant, a zygote contains all the genetic material required for developing into an organism.
Related terms
Embryo: An embryo refers to the early stage of development after fertilization when significant cell divisions occur.
Mitosis: Mitosis is the process by which cells divide and produce genetically identical daughter cells. It plays an important role in the growth and development of an organism.
Blastocyst: A blastocyst is an advanced stage of embryo development where it forms a hollow ball-like structure with differentiating cell layers.
"Zygote" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Practice Questions (1)
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