Zygote

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 (or zygocyte).

Related Topics:
Greek - Cell - Fertilization - Haploid - Sperm - Male - Ovum - Female - Diploid

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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).

Related Topics:
Mitotic - Cell division - Embryo - Meiotic - Biological life cycle

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

Related Topics:
Twin - Multiple birth

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