what is zygote in biology

A zygote is a fertilized egg cell that results from the union of a female gamete (egg, or ovum) with a male gamete (sperm) . It is the first diploid cell formed by the fusion of male and female gametes, resulting in the formation of an embryo. The zygote contains two sets of inherited chromosomes, one from the mother and one from the father, making it a diploid cell. This stage represents the first stage in the development of a genetically unique organism and contains all the genetic information required to form an individual. The zygote is endowed with genes from two parents, making it diploid and carrying two sets of chromosomes. It is the earliest developmental stage in multicellular organisms and is the first stage of development of a multicellular eukaryote. The zygote is capable of rapid division and subsequent differentiation, forming the basis for the development of the future organism.