Which term describes the union of egg and sperm to create a new cell?

Which term describes the union of egg and sperm to create a new cell?

• A. Fertilization
• B. Ossification
• C. Maturation
• D. Adolescence

Answer: (A)

Fertilization is the union of egg and sperm to form a new cell. In sexual reproduction, the egg and sperm each contribute genetic material, and when they fuse, they create a zygote with a full set of chromosomes—the beginning of a new individual. This process typically happens in the fallopian tube and starts the sequence that leads to an embryo traveling to the uterus for implantation. The other terms refer to different concepts: ossification is bone formation, maturation is the general process of becoming mature, and adolescence is a developmental stage.

Fertilization is the union of egg and sperm to form a new cell. In sexual reproduction, the egg and sperm each contribute genetic material, and when they fuse, they create a zygote with a full set of chromosomes—the beginning of a new individual. This process typically happens in the fallopian tube and starts the sequence that leads to an embryo traveling to the uterus for implantation. The other terms refer to different concepts: ossification is bone formation, maturation is the general process of becoming mature, and adolescence is a developmental stage.