fertiilsust
Fertilization, also known as fertilisation, is a biological process by which two gametes, typically a sperm and an egg, combine to form a zygote. This process is essential for sexual reproduction in most organisms. Fertilization occurs in various ways depending on the organism, but it generally involves the following steps: the sperm must first locate and penetrate the egg, which is often facilitated by chemical signals. Once inside the egg, the sperm's nucleus fuses with the egg's nucleus, resulting in a single nucleus that contains genetic material from both parents. This fusion is crucial as it initiates the development of a new organism. After fertilization, the zygote undergoes several cell divisions, eventually developing into an embryo. Fertilization is a critical step in the life cycle of many species, enabling genetic diversity and the continuation of a population.