Which term describes the process in sexual reproduction in which male and female reproductive cells join to form a new cell?

Which term describes the process in sexual reproduction in which male and female reproductive cells join to form a new cell?

• A. Fertilization
• B. Insemination
• C. Mitosis
• D. Embryogenesis

Answer: (A)

Fertilization is the joining of male and female gametes to form a new cell, the zygote. When the sperm and egg merge, their half-number of chromosomes combines to restore the full diploid set, and the zygote begins to develop. This moment starts the process that leads to a new organism through subsequent cell divisions and growth. Insemination is simply delivering sperm into the female reproductive tract and doesn’t itself create a new cell. Mitosis is cell division of a single cell into two identical cells, not the union of two gametes. Embryogenesis refers to the development of the embryo after fertilization.

Fertilization is the joining of male and female gametes to form a new cell, the zygote. When the sperm and egg merge, their half-number of chromosomes combines to restore the full diploid set, and the zygote begins to develop. This moment starts the process that leads to a new organism through subsequent cell divisions and growth. Insemination is simply delivering sperm into the female reproductive tract and doesn’t itself create a new cell. Mitosis is cell division of a single cell into two identical cells, not the union of two gametes. Embryogenesis refers to the development of the embryo after fertilization.