Zygote (Gr. Zygotos - Conjugate)

A zygote (from the Greek "zygotos" - conjugated) is a cell that is formed as a result of the union of two gametes - a male sperm and a female egg. The process of combining gametes is called fertilization, and its result is a zygote - the first stage of development of a new organism.

The zygote contains the complete set of genetic information necessary for the development of a new organism. This information is transmitted from parents and determines all the physical and characterological properties of the future organism, such as eye color, skin type, susceptibility to certain diseases, etc.

Once formed, the zygote begins to divide, going through a number of developmental stages, including morula, blastula and gastrula, before becoming a fully formed organism. During this process, the cells of the zygote differentiate and specialize to form various tissues and organs.

Some animals undergo hibernation, a state of rest and low metabolism in which metabolism slows, body temperature drops, and the animal stops feeding. During hibernation, the zygote is also dormant and does not develop until the animal awakens and its metabolism returns to normal levels.

Thus, a zygote is an important stage in the development of a new organism, which is formed as a result of the union of gametes. This cell contains all the necessary genetic information to form a new organism and goes through a number of developmental stages before becoming a fully formed organism.