Zygote Zygote

Zygote - Definition and Overview

A zygote (Greek: ζυγωτόν) is a cell that is the result of fertilization. That is, two haploid cells—usually (but not always) a sperm cell from a male and an ovum from a female—merge into a single diploid cell called the zygote.

Animal zygotes undergo mitotic cell divisions to become an embryo. Other organisms may undergo meiotic cell division at this time (for more information refer to biological life cycles).

Twins and multiple births can be monozygotic (identical) or dizygotic (fraternal).

See also

Example Usage of Zygote

zygote: cool tilt-shift video by HP. http://vimeo.com/7477655
RoeSaved: (cont)"The common expression 'fertilized ovum' refers 2 the Zygote." Moore & Persaud Before We R Born: Essentials of Embryology.. #prochoice
RoeSaved: "Zygote.Cell, formed by the union of an ovum & a sperm (Gr. zyg tos, yoked tgthr), represents the beginning of a human being." #prochoice
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