B3 - Fertilisation

Put simply, fertilisation is;

HAPLOID SPERM + HAPLOID EGG = DIPLOID ZYGOTE

• haploid cells are cells with one copy of each chromosome
• diploid cells are cells with two copies of each chromosome
• a zygote is a fertilised egg

You need to know those scientific terms for your exam - even if you know what they mean and explain them perfectly, but can't remember the words, you will lose marks.

Fertilisation is where male and female gametes (sex cells) combine to form a diploid cell. The characteristics of the diploid cell are determined by the combination of genes on its chromosomes. The zygote has inherited both sets of chromosomes, and therefore shows features of both parents, but WILL NOT be exactly like either of them.