Key Differences Between Zygote and Foetus : Understanding the Stages of Pregnancy
Zygote and foetus are crucial stages in the formation of a baby, they represent distinct phases of development in pregnancy. A zygote is the fertilized egg that marks the very beginning of pregnancy, while a foetus is the unborn baby in the later stages, growing and developing inside the womb. In this article, we will break down the differences between these two terms and explain how each stage contributes to the miracle of life.
Zygote V/S Foetus: Key Differences
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FAQs on Difference Between Zygote and Foetus
1. What is the difference between a zygote and a foetus?
The primary difference between a zygote and a foetus is the stage of development. A zygote is the fertilized egg cell that forms immediately after the sperm and egg fuse, containing all the genetic information needed to start development. A foetus, on the other hand, is an unborn baby that has passed through the embryonic stage and is now developing further within the womb, typically in the second half of pregnancy.
2. What is the difference between a zygote and a foetus? Provide two differences.
A zygote is a single cell formed by the fusion of a sperm and egg, while a foetus is a fully developed unborn baby that is growing and maturing inside the womb.
A zygote is very small, about the size of a pinhead, while a foetus is much larger, often resembling a small baby and can be the size of a watermelon in later stages.
3. Differentiate between a zygote and a foetus?
A zygote is the initial stage of pregnancy, formed when the sperm fertilizes the egg. It contains all the necessary genetic information for development. A foetus, on the other hand, refers to the stage of pregnancy after the embryonic stage when the baby has developed organs and systems and is growing inside the mother’s womb, typically after 8 weeks of pregnancy.
4. What is the difference between an embryo and a foetus?
An embryo is an early stage of development, beginning after the zygote stage, where cells divide and begin forming basic structures. By contrast, a foetus is the later stage when the baby has a more recognizable form with distinct organs and continues to grow and develop in the womb, typically after 8 weeks of pregnancy.
5. What is the difference between a fetus and a foetus?
There is no actual biological difference between "fetus" and "foetus." The only distinction is that "fetus" is the American English spelling, while "foetus" is the British English spelling. Both terms refer to the same developmental stage of an unborn baby.
6. What are the key differences between a zygote and a foetus in simple terms?
A zygote is a tiny, single cell formed after fertilization that contains all the genetic material needed to become a baby. A foetus, on the other hand, is an unborn baby that has developed beyond the embryo stage, with recognizable features and continuing growth inside the womb.
7. Can you explain two differences between a zygote and a foetus?
A zygote is the first step of pregnancy, formed right after fertilization, while a foetus is the later stage when the baby has formed structures like limbs and organs.
The zygote is microscopic, and it grows and divides rapidly. The foetus, by contrast, is much larger, with most of the body systems developed and actively growing.
8. How do a zygote and a foetus differ in terms of size?
A zygote is extremely small, only a single cell at the start of pregnancy, roughly the size of a pinhead. A foetus, in contrast, grows much larger over time. By the end of the first trimester, the foetus can be about the size of a lemon and continues to grow significantly as pregnancy progresses.
9. At what stage does a zygote become a foetus?
A zygote becomes an embryo shortly after fertilization and continues to develop through the first few weeks of pregnancy. Around the 8th week, the embryo is considered a foetus, with more defined physical features and organ development.
