Zygote refers to the cell that is formed when the female egg cell joins the sperm cell that fertilized it.  In simple terms, the zygote represents the fertilized egg.  For humans and other organisms that contain multiple cells, the fertilized egg or zygote is the earliest part of the so-called embryo. This embryo will then divide into a multiple cellular structure until the development will result into a baby after about nine months.  For organisms that are composed of only one cell, the same zygote will also divide through a process called mitosis in order to become the offspring.

The formation of zygote may only be possible if two gamete cells combine with each other through fertilization.  In the case of humans and many animals for example, the female egg or ovum should be fertilized by one sperm cell in order to become a zygote.  Once the zygote is formed, embryonic development will commence and the initial cell will then develop into multiple cells as the days, weeks, and months progress.  In the case of humans, all zygotes or fertilized egg will contain genetic material or information from the parent cells.  This basically explains the reason why the offspring of humans always have similar characteristics with either one or both parents that contributed the egg cell and sperm cell.  In the case of plants, zygotes are also formed with the meeting of two gamete cells.

For human development, the process begins with the formation of the early embryo or zygote.  Babies cannot be produced without having to start as fertilized eggs or zygotes. The fertilized egg will then undergo several processes and cell division in order to proceed with development.  If the conditions in the woman’s womb for example are not ideal for the zygote, development may cease to continue and there will be no baby formed in the womb.  For women who have hormonal problems for example, the zygote may not develop fully or normally.