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Dictionary » Z » Zygote

Zygote

Definition

noun, plural: zygotes

A cell in diploid state following fertilization or union of haploid male sex cell (e.g. sperm) and haploid female sex cell (e.g. ovum).


Supplement

To be precise, zygote is the term used to refer to the cell as a result of the fusion of two haploid nuclei during fertilization until the first cleavage. When the zygote starts to divide and multiply, it is called an embryo.


Word origin: from Greek zugōtos ‘joined’, from zugoun ‘to join’.

Related forms: zygotic (adjective).

Synonym: zygocyte.
Compare: embryo.
See also: copula, zygogenesis, monozygotic twins, heterozygosity, homozygous.


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Results from our forum


The initiating Ca 2+ ion

... cortical granule reaction that slowly blocks polyspermy and creates the fertilization envelope. Beginning the whole process of development for the zygote.

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by kolean
Wed Jul 01, 2009 2:15 pm
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: The initiating Ca 2+ ion
Replies: 3
Views: 139

Which statements about Plasmodium are true?

... malaria. 2. Plasmodium cells infect two specific types of cells in humans. 3. Inside an infected mosquito, haploid gametes fuse, forming a diploid zygote that develops into an oocyst. 4. The life cycle of Plasmodium involves only haploid forms. 5. Inside an infected mosquito, diploid gametes fuse, ...

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by rosieburk
Sun Apr 26, 2009 3:02 am
 
Forum: Molecular Biology
Topic: Which statements about Plasmodium are true?
Replies: 1
Views: 448

The Humanzee!

... most geneticists to believe that humans at one time did have 48 chromosomes like chimpanzees. When the gametes of two parents merge to form a zygote, the chromosomes of each pair up with each other to form the genome of the offspring. Chromosome 1 from the father will always pair up with chromosome ...

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by alextemplet
Fri Apr 03, 2009 4:00 am
 
Forum: Zoology Discussion
Topic: The Humanzee!
Replies: 8
Views: 6906

Re: Homosexuality - mutation? Evolutionary reasons.

... I realized using the theory of natural selection does not apply in this situation simply because we are talking about homosexual bahaviour - no zygote and no exchange of alleles therefore, these genes do not contribute to the gene pool. So what do you guys think? Why is homosexuality still present ...

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by gfrabizi
Wed Dec 03, 2008 6:09 am
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Homosexuality - mutation? Evolutionary reasons.
Replies: 33
Views: 5488

Homosexuality - mutation? Evolutionary reasons.

... I realized using the theory of natural selection does not apply in this situation simply because we are talking about homosexual bahaviour - no zygote and no exchange of alleles therefore, these genes do not contribute to the gene pool. So what do you guys think? Why is homosexuality still present ...

See entire post
by Darwin420
Mon Nov 17, 2008 7:11 am
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Homosexuality - mutation? Evolutionary reasons.
Replies: 33
Views: 5488
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