What is the Difference Between Embryo and Zygote?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚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.
Read more:
- Blastocyst vs Embryo
- Embryo vs Fetus
- Zoospore vs Zygote
- Gametogenesis vs Embryogenesis
- Stem Cells vs Embryonic Stem Cells
- Genetics vs Embryology
- Fetal vs Embryonic Stem Cells
- Adult vs Embryonic Stem Cells
- Embryonic vs Somatic Stem Cells
- Organogenesis vs Somatic Embryogenesis
- Sperm vs Egg
- Umbilical Cord Stem Cells vs Embryonic Stem Cells
- Zoospore vs Zygospore
- Morula vs Blastula
- Embryo Sac vs Endosperm
- Ovum vs Egg
- Gametic Sporic vs Zygotic Meiosis
- Fertilization vs Implantation
- Somatic Cell vs Egg Cell