fertilització

Fertilització refers to the process by which male and female gametes fuse to initiate the development of a new individual. In sexual reproduction, this typically involves the union of a sperm cell and an egg cell. The resulting single cell, called a zygote, contains genetic material from both parents.

In plants, fertilizació can occur through pollination, where pollen grains containing the male gametes are transferred to the female reproductive parts. Following pollination, the male gamete travels to the ovule, where fertilization takes place. This leads to the formation of a seed, which contains an embryo and stored food.

In animals, fertilizació commonly occurs internally, where sperm are deposited into the female reproductive tract, or externally, where eggs and sperm are released into the environment. The fusion of sperm and egg forms a zygote, which then undergoes cell division and differentiation to develop into an embryo and eventually a new organism.

The outcome of fertilizació is the creation of a genetically unique offspring, combining traits from both parents. This genetic recombination is a fundamental aspect of evolution, contributing to the diversity of life. The timing and conditions required for successful fertilizació vary greatly among different species.