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.
Related terms
Embryo: An embryo refers to the early stage of development after fertilization when significant cell divisions occur.
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.