Zygote vs. Fetus: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 29, 2023
A zygote is the initial cell formed after fertilization, while a fetus is the developing organism from roughly the 8th week of pregnancy.
Key Differences
A zygote is the initial cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg, marking the beginning of pregnancy. A fetus, on the other hand, is a stage in the development of the pregnancy, typically starting from the eighth week until birth. Both words represent different stages of human development.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
The term zygote is derived from the Greek word "zygotos," meaning "yoked or joined." The term fetus is derived from the Latin word "fetus," meaning "offspring." The zygote represents the very first stage of human development, while the fetus represents a later stage.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
During the zygote stage, the single cell begins to divide and grow into a blastocyst, which then implants itself into the uterus. The fetus stage is when the organs and structures have formed, and the baby continues to grow and develop until it's ready for birth. While the zygote stage lasts for about a week, the fetus stage lasts for the majority of the pregnancy.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
The zygote carries all the genetic information needed to form a new human being. A fetus, on the other hand, is a recognizable human form with developing organs and structures. Both the zygote and the fetus are critical stages in human development, each with their own unique characteristics and importance.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Initial cell after fertilization
Developing organism from 8th week to birth
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
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Origin
Greek word "zygotos" meaning joined
Latin word "fetus" meaning offspring
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Development Stage
First stage of human development
Later stage of human development
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Zygote and Fetus Definitions
Zygote
Zygote is the initial cell formed after fertilization.
The zygote began to divide rapidly after fertilization.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
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Fetus
Fetus is the developing organism from the 8th week to birth.
The fetus was visible on the ultrasound.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Zygote
Zygote is the beginning of pregnancy.
The zygote marked the start of the nine-month journey.
Harlon Moss
Oct 29, 2023
Fetus
Fetus is the later stage of human development.
The fetus grows and develops until it's ready for birth.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Zygote
Zygote is formed by the union of sperm and egg.
The zygote was formed when the sperm fertilized the egg.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Fetus
Fetus is derived from the Latin word "fetus" meaning offspring.
The word fetus is often used in medical contexts.
Harlon Moss
Oct 29, 2023
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Zygote
Zygote contains all the genetic information for a new human.
The zygote carried the unique DNA of the new individual.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
Fetus
Fetus is protected by the amniotic sac during development.
The fetus was cushioned and protected by the amniotic fluid.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
Zygote
Zygote is the first stage of human development.
From the zygote stage, the embryo begins to form.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Fetus
Fetus is the stage where organs and structures have formed.
The fetus had all its organs developing properly.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Zygote
The cell formed by the union of two gametes, especially a fertilized ovum before cleavage.
Sumera Saeed
May 22, 2019
Zygote
The cell resulting from the union of an ovum and a spermatozoon (including the organism that develops from that cell)
Sumera Saeed
May 22, 2019
FAQs
What is a fetus?
A fetus is the developing organism from the 8th week of pregnancy until birth.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 29, 2023
At what stage does a zygote become a fetus?
A zygote becomes a fetus at the 8th week of pregnancy.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
What is the duration of the fetus stage?
The fetus stage lasts from the 8th week of pregnancy until birth.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
Is the zygote stage longer than the fetus stage?
No, the zygote stage lasts about a week, while the fetus stage lasts for the majority of the pregnancy.
Janet White
Oct 29, 2023
What is the meaning of the word "zygote" in medical contexts?
In medical contexts, the word zygote refers to the initial cell formed after fertilization.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 29, 2023
What is the meaning of the word "fetus" in medical contexts?
In medical contexts, the word fetus refers to the developing organism from the 8th week of pregnancy until birth.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
What is the significance of the zygote stage in human development?
The zygote stage is the beginning of pregnancy and marks the first stage of human development.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Can the zygote be seen with the naked eye?
No, the zygote is a single cell and cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Where does the word zygote come from?
The word zygote is derived from the Greek word "zygotos," meaning joined.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
Where does the word fetus come from?
The word fetus is derived from the Latin word "fetus," meaning offspring.
Janet White
Oct 29, 2023
What does a fetus look like?
A fetus has a recognizable human form with developing organs and structures.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
What is the significance of the fetus stage in human development?
The fetus stage is when the organs and structures have formed, and the baby continues to grow and develop until it's ready for birth.
Sara Rehman
Oct 29, 2023
Can the fetus be seen with the naked eye?
Yes, the fetus has a recognizable human form and can be seen with the naked eye.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 29, 2023
What is the duration of the zygote stage?
The zygote stage lasts about a week.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
What genetic information does a zygote carry?
A zygote carries all the genetic information needed to form a new human being.
Harlon Moss
Oct 29, 2023
What is the role of the amniotic sac in the development of the fetus?
The amniotic sac protects the fetus and provides it with a cushioned environment.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 29, 2023
Is the fetus stage longer than the zygote stage?
Yes, the fetus stage lasts from the 8th week of pregnancy until birth, while the zygote stage lasts about a week.
Janet White
Oct 29, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
