What is the initial cell produced by the fusion of two gametes during sexual reproduction?

What is the initial cell produced by the fusion of two gametes during sexual reproduction?

• A. Blastocyst
• B. Zygote
• C. Embryo
• D. Fetus

Answer: (B)

The initial cell produced by the fusion of two gametes during sexual reproduction is known as a zygote. This process starts when a sperm cell from the male fertilizes an egg cell from the female, leading to the formation of a single diploid cell that contains a complete set of chromosomes—half from each parent. The zygote serves as the foundational stage for developing into an organism. Following the formation of the zygote, it undergoes a series of mitotic divisions, leading to the formation of an embryo. The embryonic stage progresses further into more complex forms, eventually developing into a fetus. However, the terms blastocyst, embryo, and fetus refer to later stages of development following the zygote. Thus, the zygote is precisely the first cell that marks the beginning of a new individual following fertilization.

The initial cell produced by the fusion of two gametes during sexual reproduction is known as a zygote. This process starts when a sperm cell from the male fertilizes an egg cell from the female, leading to the formation of a single diploid cell that contains a complete set of chromosomes—half from each parent. The zygote serves as the foundational stage for developing into an organism.

Following the formation of the zygote, it undergoes a series of mitotic divisions, leading to the formation of an embryo. The embryonic stage progresses further into more complex forms, eventually developing into a fetus. However, the terms blastocyst, embryo, and fetus refer to later stages of development following the zygote. Thus, the zygote is precisely the first cell that marks the beginning of a new individual following fertilization.