* Gametes (sperm and egg) are haploid (n): They have half the number of chromosomes found in a normal body cell. For example, humans have 23 chromosomes in each gamete.
* Fertilization combines gametes: When a sperm fertilizes an egg, their chromosomes combine.
* Diploid zygote: The resulting fertilized egg, called a zygote, now has the full complement of chromosomes, which is diploid. In humans, the zygote has 46 chromosomes (23 from the sperm + 23 from the egg).
In summary: Fertilization restores the diploid chromosome number, ensuring that the offspring inherits the correct genetic material from both parents.
