zygote

A zygote or zygocyte, is the initial cell formed when two gamete cells are joined by means of sexual reproduction.

A zygote is always synthesized from the union of two gametes, and constitutes the first stage in a unique organism\'s development. Zygotes are usually produced by a fertilization event between two haploid cells—an ovum (female gamete) and a sperm cell (male gamete) — which combine to form the single diploid cell. Such zygotes contain DNA derived from both the parents, and this provides all the genetic information necessary to form a new individual.