What is fertilization?

Fertilization is defined as the union of a sperm and an egg. This process occurs when a sperm cell successfully penetrates the outer layer of the egg, allowing genetic material from both the male and female to combine and form a zygote. This zygote will then undergo cell division and development, ultimately leading to the formation of an embryo. The correct understanding of fertilization is crucial because it serves as the foundational event that initiates the process of human reproduction, paving the way for the development of a new organism.

The other concepts mentioned, such as zygote division, sperm maturation, and the menstrual cycle formation, while relevant to reproductive biology, do not accurately define fertilization itself. Instead, they refer to different stages and processes within the broader context of reproduction.