Fusion of male and female gametes is called _________________.

Fertilization

The fusion of male and female gametes is termed fertilization. This fundamental process in sexual reproduction involves the union of a male gamete (sperm) and a female gamete (egg) to form a zygote. The zygote then undergoes development to become a new organism. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Understanding Fertilization:
Fertilization is a critical event in the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms. It restores the diploid number of chromosomes, ensuring genetic diversity and continuity across generations. The process typically involves several key steps:

• Gamete Recognition: The sperm and egg recognize and bind to each other through specific molecular interactions.
• Fusion of Gametes: The sperm penetrates the egg's outer layers, leading to the fusion of their membranes and cytoplasm.
• Formation of Zygote: The nuclei of the sperm and egg merge, resulting in a single nucleus with a complete set of chromosomes.
• Activation of Development: The zygote begins to divide and develop into an embryo, initiating the developmental processes that lead to a new individual.

It's important to note that while fertilization is a natural process in sexual reproduction, methods like utting, layering, and grafting are artificial techniques used in asexual reproduction, particularly in plants. These methods do not involve the fusion of gametes and result in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent organism.

Understanding the concept of fertilization is essential in fields such as biology, medicine, and agriculture, as it underpins the mechanisms of heredity, genetic variation, and species propagation.