Which term describes the cell that results from the fusion of two gametes?

Which term describes the cell that results from the fusion of two gametes?

• A. Zygote
• B. Gamete
• C. Diploid cell
• D. Nucleus

Answer: (A)

Fertilization creates a zygote. When two haploid gametes fuse, their genetic material combines to form a single diploid cell—the zygote—which carries a full set of chromosomes from both parents (2n). This zygote is the first cell of a new individual and will start dividing by mitosis to develop into a full organism. A gamete is the reproductive cell that participates in fertilization, not the product. A diploid cell describes the chromosome number, not the specific product of fusion. The nucleus is the cellular structure that houses DNA, present in many cells, and not the result of gamete fusion.

Fertilization creates a zygote. When two haploid gametes fuse, their genetic material combines to form a single diploid cell—the zygote—which carries a full set of chromosomes from both parents (2n). This zygote is the first cell of a new individual and will start dividing by mitosis to develop into a full organism. A gamete is the reproductive cell that participates in fertilization, not the product. A diploid cell describes the chromosome number, not the specific product of fusion. The nucleus is the cellular structure that houses DNA, present in many cells, and not the result of gamete fusion.