Zygote

A zygote is the single cell formed when a sperm and egg unite. It contains genetic material from both parents and begins development through cell division.

Fertilization: The union of gametes that initiates development in sexually reproducing organisms. Fertilization is the process that produces a zygote.
Gamete: A reproductive cell, such as a sperm or egg, carrying one set of chromosomes. A zygote forms when two gametes unite.
In vitro fertilization: A fertility treatment in which eggs are fertilized with sperm outside the body. IVF creates zygotes in a laboratory before possible transfer to a uterus.
Oocyte: An immature female germ cell that develops into an egg through maturation. An oocyte is an unfertilized precursor, not the cell formed by fertilization.
Sperm: A male reproductive cell that carries genetic material to an egg. The sperm contributes one parental set of chromosomes to the zygote.
Haploid: Having one complete set of chromosomes. Each human gamete is haploid before fertilization.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection: An IVF technique that injects a single sperm directly into an egg. This procedure can create a zygote when sperm cannot fertilize an egg unaided.
Embryo: An organism in an early stage of development after fertilization. The zygote is the earliest unicellular stage in embryonic development.
Egg cell: A female reproductive cell containing genetic material and cellular resources for early development. The egg supplies the other parental genome and most of the zygote’s cytoplasm.
Diploid: Having two complete sets of chromosomes, usually one inherited from each parent. Fertilization restores the diploid chromosome complement in many animals.

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