Zygote: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the Greek word 'zygon', meaning 'a yoke', referencing how two cells come together to form one.
• It was first used in the scientific context in the late 19th century when biology began to explore cell development.

Biology

• A zygote undergoes cell division quickly through a process called mitosis, developing into an embryo.
• The zygote's development is crucial as it carries genetic information from both parents, which influences traits of the future offspring.

Reproductive Science

• Zygotes can be formed naturally or artificially, such as in in-vitro fertilization (IVF), where an egg and sperm combine outside the body.
• Research in zygotes has helped scientists understand genetic disorders and early stages of human development.

History

• Early theories about reproduction involved misconceptions about how zygotes formed until advancements in microscopy clarified cellular processes.
• In the 20th century, the discovery of DNA and genetic structure gave profound insights into how traits are inherited from zygotes.

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, the formation of a zygote is viewed as the beginning of life, raising ethical discussions about early developmental stages.
• Artwork and literature often symbolize the concept of a zygote as a representation of new beginnings and potential.

At rank #26,018, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 26015 unimaginative
• 26016 punt
• 26017 unwrapped
• 26018 zygote
• 26019 inked
• 26020 jotted
• 26021 unbreakable
• ...