What is the outcome of a fertilization event?

The outcome of a fertilization event is the formation of a zygote. Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell successfully merges with an egg cell, resulting in the combination of their genetic material. This fusion creates a single cell called a zygote, which contains a complete set of chromosomes from both parents. The zygote then undergoes a series of divisions and developmental processes, eventually leading to the formation of a new organism.

In contrast, the division of stem cells refers to a broader biological process that can occur in various contexts, including tissue repair and development, but is not the direct result of fertilization. The expression of genes pertains to how genetic information is translated into proteins and traits, a process that begins after zygote formation but is not the immediate outcome of fertilization itself. The development of cancer cells involves uncontrolled cell division and growth, which is unrelated to the normal process of fertilization and subsequent zygote development. Thus, formation of a zygote is the most accurate and specific outcome of a fertilization event.