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Fertilisation

Fertilisation is the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.

In one line: Fusion of gametes makes the zygote.

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Understand it

Fertilisation is the stage after pollination in flowering plants and after sperm reaches the ovum in animals. It starts the formation of a new individual because the genetic material from two gametes combines in one cell called the zygote.

Example

In humans, the sperm fuses with the ovum in the oviduct to form a zygote.

Rule to remember

Fertilisation = fusion of gametes → zygote formation.

See it worked out

Follow the example line by line, then use the same method on new questions.

Worked example

  1. 1After pollination in a flower, the male gamete travels through the pollen tube and fuses with the egg inside the ovule.
  2. 2That fusion is fertilisation.

Method you can reuse

  1. 1Find whether two gametes are joining.
  2. 2Check whether a zygote is mentioned or implied.
  3. 3If yes, call it fertilisation.
  4. 4Distinguish it from pollination, which only transfers pollen.

Visual tip

A small flow diagram from gametes to zygote to embryo is enough for revision.

Check yourself

Answer the question in your head before opening the answer.

Try it yourself

Two gametes join and a zygote is formed. Which process is this?

Think first, then show answer
This is fertilisation. It is the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.

Common wrong answer

A common wrong answer is pollination, because students see the flower context and stop at pollen movement.

Don't mix this up

Students sometimes confuse fertilisation with pollination or even with implantation. The exact idea is gamete fusion.

Exam tip

If the question mentions fusion, zygote, or sperm and ovum joining, the answer is fertilisation.

Write it in the exam

Each point is worth about one mark. Write point 1 for a 1-mark question and keep adding points as the marks go up.

How CBSE asks it

Questions may ask for the definition of fertilisation, its location in humans, or the product formed after fusion.
  1. 1

    Enough for 1 mark

    Fertilisation is the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.

  2. 2

    Add for 2 marks

    Example: In humans, the sperm fuses with the ovum in the oviduct to form a zygote.

  3. 3

    Add for 3 marks

    Fertilisation is the stage after pollination in flowering plants and after sperm reaches the ovum in animals.

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