Definition of Zygote
Zygote: The cell formed by the union of a male sex cell (a sperm) and a female sex cell (an ovum). The zygote develops into the embryo following the instruction encoded in its genetic material, the DNA.
The unification of a sperm and an ovum to form a zygote constitutes fertilization.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6074
Last Editorial Review: 3/26/1998 2:30:00 PM
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