When the egg and sperm join together, it is known as fertilization. This process occurs when a sperm cell penetrates an egg cell, forming a zygote. Here is a step-by-step explanation:
1. During sexual intercourse, sperm is released into the female reproductive tract.
2. Sperm travel through the cervix and into the uterus towards the fallopian tubes where the egg is located.
3. When a sperm successfully penetrates the egg, fertilization occurs.
4. The genetic material from the sperm and egg combine to form a single cell called a zygote.
5. The zygote then begins to divide and develop into an embryo.
Fertilization is a crucial step in the process of sexual reproduction, leading to the formation of a new individual with a unique set of genetic information.
