Zygote

Last updated on: 01.08.2021

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

A zygote (Greek zygotos = bound together) is the name given to the cell that results from the fusion of germ cells (fertilised egg cell). In humans, the fertilised egg cell has a complete, diploid chromosome set of 46 chromosomes.

Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.

The egg cell and sperm cell only have a single set of chromosomes , each with 23 chromosomes. An odd number of chromosomes in the genome makes normal cell division(mitosis) impossible. If this cell were to divide, one cell would have eleven chromosomes and the other cell twelve. Only with the fusion of the two cell nuclei(karyogamy) of the gametes is there again a complete, divisible set of chromosomes. Within embryogenesis, the zygote develops into a morula.

Last updated on: 01.08.2021