Pronunciation:ZI-gote

Etymology: Zygote come from the Greek zygos (ζυγοσ), which mean yoked. The reference is to the union of the gametes so that they are yoked together.

The zygote is the first diploid fusion product of two gametes.

The photo below shows the union of the two nuclei in the center of the egg. This act of nuclear fusion will produce a zygote.

By Jack R. Holt. Last revised: 01/03/2009