Zygote

Zygote

A Zygote is the initial cell formed when two gamete cells are joined by means of sexual reproduction. In multicellular organisms, it is the earliest developmental stage of the embryo. In single-celled organisms, the zygote can divide asexually by mitosis to produce identical offspring.

Formation[edit | edit source]

Zygotes are produced by fertilization between two haploid cells, the sperm and the egg, which combine to create a single diploid cell. This process occurs in all sexually reproducing single-celled and multicellular organisms, including plants, animals, and fungi.

Development[edit | edit source]

The zygote undergoes rapid cell cycles with no significant growth, producing a cluster of cells that is the same size as the original zygote. The cells within the two-cell zygote are referred to as blastomeres and will eventually form blastocyst.

Human zygotes[edit | edit source]

In humans, a zygote is the result of the union of an ovum (egg cell) and a sperm a few hours after fertilization. Once the single sperm enters the egg, all others are shut out. The resulting combination is a single cell zygote with 46 chromosomes.

See also[edit | edit source]

Zygote Resources
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