What is the Difference Between Embryo and Zygote?

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The main difference between a zygote and an embryo lies in their stages of development and the number of cells they contain.

  • Zygote: A zygote is the first developmental stage of an organism, formed after the fertilization of an egg cell from a female with the sperm from a male. It is a single cell containing the genetic information from both parents. The process of zygote formation is called fertilization.
  • Embryo: An embryo is a developed blastocyte, formed from the cell division of the zygote. It is a multi-cellular stage. The embryo is an unborn offspring with a developed heart and organs under the development process. The process of embryo formation is called embryogenesis.

In summary:

  • A zygote is a single cell formed after fertilization, containing genetic information from both parents.
  • An embryo is a multi-cellular stage that develops from the zygote, with a developed heart and organs.

Comparative Table: Embryo vs Zygote

Here is a table comparing the differences between a zygote and an embryo:

Feature Zygote Embryo
Cellularity Unicellular, single cell Multicellular, developed blastocyte
Formation Formed through fertilization Formed through embryogenesis
Stage First stage of development Second stage of development
Location Formed in the fallopian/uterine tube Develops in the uterus
Development Contains 23 chromosomes from the ovum and 23 from the sperm, totaling 46 Contains a developed heart and organs

In summary, a zygote is a single cell formed through the fertilization of an egg cell with sperm, while an embryo is a multicellular stage that follows the zygote and involves the development of a blastocyte. The zygote is formed in the fallopian/uterine tube and contains 46 chromosomes, while the embryo develops in the uterus and has a developed heart and organs.