What is the ploidy level of a zygote?

The ploidy level of a zygote is diploid because it is formed by the fusion of two haploid gametes—one from the mother and one from the father. Each gamete carries a single set of chromosomes (haploid), so when they combine during fertilization, they create a zygote that has two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. This results in the diploid state, which is characteristic of most organisms, and is essential for the subsequent development of the embryo and the organism as a whole.

Understanding the significance of the diploid stage is important in genetics, as it establishes the total genetic makeup that will be passed on to future generations through mitosis and meiosis. The zygote's ploidy is crucial for maintaining the stability of the organism's genome during development.