The formation of new individuals of a species by the fusion of two normally haploid gametes to form a diploid * zygote. The gametes may be derived from the same parent (see autogamy) or from two different parents (see allogamy). In certain unicellular organisms the whole individual may participate in the process, as seen when two haploid yeast cells fuse to form a diploid cell. In multicellular organisms the gametes are formed and often fuse in specialized organs (see gametangium). Compare asexual reproduction. |
