What is the process by which two cells from different parents unite to form the first cell of a new organism?

What is the process by which two cells from different parents unite to form the first cell of a new organism?

• A. Sexual reproduction
• B. Asexual reproduction
• C. Fertilization
• D. Zygote

Answer: (A)

Two haploid gametes from two parents unite in fertilization, the specific event that starts a new individual. Fertilization combines genetic material from each parent to form a diploid zygote, which is the first cell of the offspring. This occurs within the broader process of sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction involves one parent and produces genetically identical offspring, and the zygote is the product of fertilization, not the process itself.

Two haploid gametes from two parents unite in fertilization, the specific event that starts a new individual. Fertilization combines genetic material from each parent to form a diploid zygote, which is the first cell of the offspring. This occurs within the broader process of sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction involves one parent and produces genetically identical offspring, and the zygote is the product of fertilization, not the process itself.