Which of the following describes a zygote?

The term "zygot" refers specifically to a fertilized egg cell, which occurs when a sperm cell fertilizes an ovum. At this stage, the zygote is a single diploid cell, containing genetic material from both parents. This cell then undergoes division and develops into an embryo, leading to the formation of a fetus as development continues.

The role and definition of a zygote are crucial in the study of biology and development, as it marks the beginning of a new organism's life cycle. Understanding this definition highlights the importance of fertilization in reproduction and the subsequent stages of development that follow the formation of the zygote.