Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

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What is the process that combines an egg and sperm cell?

Fertilization
Meiosis
Gamete formation
Hybridization

The correct answer is: Fertilization

Fertilization is the biological process where male and female gametes, specifically sperm and egg cells, unite to form a zygote. This event marks the beginning of the development of a new organism and is crucial in sexual reproduction. During fertilization, the genetic material from the sperm and egg combine, resulting in a new cell that has a complete set of genetic information, inheriting traits from both parents. In terms of the other options, meiosis is the cellular division process that produces gametes, ensuring that they have half the number of chromosomes. Gamete formation refers more broadly to the creation of sperm and egg cells, while hybridization typically involves the cross-breeding of different species or varieties, which is not the same as the direct combination of gametes. Therefore, fertilization specifically describes the moment when an egg and sperm interact, making it the correct term for this process.