what is zygote class 8

A zygote is a single cell formed from the fertilization of the male and female gametes. It is the first diploid cell that is formed by the fusion of male and female gametes resulting in the formation of an embryo. The genome of the zygote is the combination of DNA in each gamete and contains all the genetic information required to form an individual. The zygote stage development occurs in the first week of fertilization. The zygote represents the first stage in the development of a genetically unique organism. The activation of the zygote to produce proteins occurs only after it undergoes a series of divisions into cleavage. During cleavage, the relatively enormous zygote directly subdivides into many smaller cells of conventional size through the process of mitosis. The development of the zygote takes place in several stages, including rapid division, blastulation, gastrulation, neurulation, and notochord formation.