AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Fertilization involves the fusion of two gametes, usually from different individuals, restoring the diploid state.

Detailed explanation-2: -At fertilization, male and female gametes fuse to restore diploidy in a zygote, which develops into a new life. At sex maturation, diploid cells enter into meiosis, culminating in the production of haploid gametes.

Detailed explanation-3: -This can be attributed to meiosis, which only reproductive cells can perform. When an egg cell is fertilized by a sperm cell, the chromosomes of the two cells combine, and the zygote becomes diploid, meaning it has the complete species number of chromosomes.

Detailed explanation-4: -At fertilization, the sperm binds to a receptor on the surface of the egg and fuses with the egg plasma membrane, initiating the development of a new diploid organism containing genetic information derived from both parents (Figure 14.41).