Fertilization produces __________.

• A. a haploid zygote in some life cycles and a diploid zygote in others
• B. a haploid zygote
• C. a diploid zygote, except during the gametophyte stage of alternation of generations
• D. a multicellular haploid organism in a life cycle with an alternation of generations
• E. a diploid zygote

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of fertilization: Fertilization is the union of two gametes, typically a sperm and an egg, each carrying a haploid set of chromosomes.
2. Recall the definition of a zygote: A zygote is the initial cell formed when two gamete cells are joined by means of sexual reproduction.
3. Determine the ploidy level of the zygote: Since each gamete is haploid (n), the fusion of two haploid gametes results in a diploid (2n) zygote.
4. Consider the context of alternation of generations: In life cycles with alternation of generations, the zygote is still diploid, but it will eventually give rise to a multicellular diploid organism, which can undergo meiosis to produce haploid gametes.
5. Conclude that fertilization generally results in a diploid zygote, as the fusion of two haploid gametes restores the diploid chromosome number.