Which term describes a diploid cell produced by the fusion of two gametes?

• A. A diploid cell produced by the fusion of two gametes
• B. A haploid germ cell
• C. A tissue cell
• D. A mature reproductive cell

Answer: (A)

A cell formed by the fusion of two gametes is diploid and is called a zygote. In sexual reproduction, haploid gametes each contribute one chromosome set, and when they fuse, the resulting zygote has two complete sets of chromosomes—one from each parent. This zygote then divides by mitosis to start developing into a multicellular organism. The other descriptions refer to a gamete or to a non-reproductive tissue cell, which do not result from the fusion of two gametes.