Zygotes are the initial cells formed when two gamete cells fuse during fertilization. The word "zygotes" is spelled with a "z" followed by "ygo" and ending with "tes." The IPA phonetic transcription of "zygotes" is /ˈzaɪɡoʊts/. It starts with the voiced alveolar fricative /z/ sound, followed by the diphthong /aɪ/ and the voiced velar stop /g/. The second syllable contains the long /oʊ/ sound and the final syllable ends with the unvoiced alveolar fricative /s/.
Zygotes are defined as the initial stage in the development of a new organism, specifically in sexual reproduction. They are single-celled entities that arise when a female gamete (egg) is fertilized by a male gamete (sperm). The zygote contains the combination of genetic material from both parents, which is crucial in determining the traits and characteristics of the ensuing organism.
Zygotes play a fundamental role in the reproductive process, as they mark the initiation of embryonic development. After fertilization, the zygote undergoes a process called cleavage, where it undergoes rapid cell division, resulting in the formation of an embryo. These subsequent divisions give rise to all the tissues and organs of the developing organism.
The formation of zygotes typically occurs in the female reproductive system, specifically in the fallopian tubes, shortly after fertilization takes place. Once the zygote is formed, it travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus, where it implants itself into the uterine lining for further growth.
Zygotes represent a unique point in the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms, marking the beginning of a new individual's existence. Due to their significance in development, zygotes have garnered considerable attention in fields such as genetics, embryology, and reproductive biology. They are a key component in understanding the complexities of sexual reproduction and the transmission of inherited traits.
The fertilized ovum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "zygotes" has its etymology rooted in the field of biology. It comes from the Greek word "zygōtos" (ζυγωτός), which means "yoked" or "joined". In biology, a zygote refers to the single cell that results from the fusion of two gametes (sperm and egg) during fertilization. The term "zygote" was coined by the German biologist Ernst Haeckel in the mid-19th century, using the Greek root to convey the concept of the fused or joined nature of this cell.