Postzigóticos

Postzigótico refers to events or characteristics that occur after the formation of a zygote. In biology, the zygote is the initial cell formed when two gametes (e.g., sperm and egg) fuse during sexual reproduction. Therefore, postzigotic refers to anything that happens from the development of this single-celled zygote into a multicellular organism and beyond.

This encompasses a vast array of biological processes. It includes embryonic development, where the zygote undergoes cell division and differentiation to form tissues, organs, and eventually a complete organism. It also includes the ongoing growth, maturation, and reproduction of that organism throughout its life. Furthermore, the term can be applied to phenomena that arise from interactions between different species after a potential hybridization event, even if the zygote itself is not viable or fertile. For example, postzigotic isolation mechanisms are barriers to reproduction that occur after a zygote has formed but prevent the development of a viable hybrid offspring or its successful reproduction. These can include reduced hybrid viability, where the hybrid offspring does not survive, or reduced hybrid fertility, where the hybrid offspring is sterile. The study of postzigotic events is fundamental to understanding developmental biology, genetics, and evolutionary processes.