A fertilized egg, also known as a zygote, is the initial cell formed when a sperm cell from a male merges with an ovum (egg) from a female. This process, called fertilization, typically occurs in the fallopian tubes of the female reproductive system. The zygote contains genetic material from both parents, which will determine the traits of the developing organism. After fertilization, the zygote begins to divide and grow through a process called cell division. It eventually develops into a blastocyst, which can implant itself into the uterus to continue its development into an embryo. This marks the beginning of a new life.